Work for phase two of the FORWARRD initiative began in November 2024 with the creation of the FORWARRD Basic Science and Translational Research Advisory Group. The initiative also began working with HR to identify affected basic science and translational research professionals. To support these efforts, the College of Medicine Office of Research has recently launched a Basic Science Track within the Research Professionals Network (RPN). This new track will mirror the existing RPN Clinical Track and will hold regular meetings for professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and sharing best practices—key components for advancing the work in Phase Two.

For updates on our progress, please regularly check our website. If you are basic science and translational research staff in the UK College of Medicine, Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), or the Markey Cancer Center (MCC), we invite you to join the RPN-Basic Science Track. You can learn more about the RPN and apply for membership here.