Foundations of Clinical Research

The Foundations of Clinical Research program is rooted in the belief that clinical research training is critical to professional development in health care. Clinical research training not only creates potential independent investigators, but also enables clinicians to advance their careers through a greater understanding of research evidence.

Designed to provide learners with the foundational knowledge and skill sets required to produce high-quality clinical research, our program will lay the fundamental groundwork in epidemiology and biostatistics required for a multifaceted career in clinical research.

Workshop Dates | Live Virtual

Workshop 1: September 6-7, 2025
Workshop 2: January 31-February 1, 2026
Workshop 3 and Graduation: April 25-26, 2026

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Program Objectives

Demonstrate a clear understanding of the foundational concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology
Apply the core concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology
Develop a research question and formulate a testable hypothesis
Design and begin to implement a clinical research study
Cultivate the skills required to present a clinical research study
Critically evaluate the research findings in medical literature
Synthesize crucial statistical analyses using Stata software
Evaluate the ethical principles relevant to clinical research
Enroll in Optional Advanced learning modules (Scientific Writing, Advanced Stata, Machine Learning)

Scholars who achieve the program objectives will be awarded a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program.

Innovative Learning Model

A six-month virtual program, Foundations of Clinical Research combines online curriculum emphasizes real-time, skill-based learning. This blended-learning approach includes participation in three live-virtual workshops. In addition, learners should plan to dedicate an average of 7-10 hours per week to coursework, which involves attending mandatory symposia, training tutorials, seminars, and completing capstone-related assignments.

Program Director

Jamie Robertson, PhD, MPH

Director of Innovation in Surgical Education, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Instructor in Surgery, Harvard Medical School

Address: 4 Blackfan Circle, Boston, MA 02115.
Email: learn@hms.harvard.edu