Course Details

Learning Objectives

The course will cover a wide range of topics in Alzheimer’s Research and Clinical Trial Design. Course dates will be announced soon and webinar dates will be announced by the end of December - check back shortly for updates!

Learning Objectives

Position

trainees to secure IRB approval, funding, or other necessary milestones toward performance of a clinical trial

Facilitate

career choices toward ADRD research for investigators

Increase

the pipeline of qualified investigators of diverse professional and demographic backgrounds for the future of ADRD research

After completing this course, Professionals Track attendees should be able to:

Identify

the different populations enrolled in ADRD trials and the different purposes of clinical trials in each

Describe

the ethical and logistical challenges to successful clinical trials

Understand

the urgent need to diversify the populations enrolled in ADRD clinical trials

After completing this course, Fellowship Track attendees should be able to:

Make

essential choices and write an acceptable protocol sufficient for conduct and regulatory approval at any phase of development

Critically evaluate

scientific literature describing interventional research

Identify

the optimal design for a clinical trial based on the population under study, the scientific question, and the intervention type

Describe

the team science approach to clinical trial design, conduct, analysis, and reporting

CME Information

CME credits will be offered through the USC Office of Continuing Medical Education.

Application Process

The application portal for 2022 has not yet opened. Please check back soon for updates.

Requirements

Applications to the Professionals and Fellowship Tracks will require submission of:

Personal statement: Instructions
Biosketch: Template
Letter of support: Instructions

The Fellowship Track will also require submission of:

Trial protocol synopsis: Instructions and Template

Timeline

Dates coming soon!

Informational Webinar

Dates coming soon!

Application Opens

Dates coming soon!

Application Deadline

Dates coming soon!

Course Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

In preparation for this year’s application cycle, we will host a webinar. Dates for the webinar will be announced by the end of December. Watch the recording from last year to learn more about this unique training program.

Download a PDF of the slides used in the prior year’s webinar

How frequently is the IMPACT-AD course offered?

The IMPACT-AD course is offered once per year.

Is US citizenship required for submission of an application?

IMPACT-AD is funded in-part by the National Institutes of Health and is currently offered only to U.S.–based researchers. U.S. citizenship is not required.

Once you attend the course, will you be able to apply/attend again?

Some participants in the professional track may be eligible to apply to a future iteration of IMPACT-AD in the fellowship. In general, however, we recommend only taking the course once.

If the course occurs in person, are the costs of the course and travel expenses covered?

IMPACT-AD is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer’s Association. Limited positions are available for trainees. The cost of the course and travel expenses are covered by IMPACT-AD for all accepted trainees.

What steps are taken to ensure an ongoing sense of community for course alumni?

All IMPACT-AD alumni are immediately eligible to join the IMPACT-AD alumni network, which provides exclusive access to the private IMPACT-AD LinkedIn page, IMPACT-AD journal club, as well as the course mailing lists. The course leadership is committed to providing additional opportunities for in–person and virtual networking opportunities.

What advice do you have on determining appropriate Letter of Recommendation writers for the course?

We suggest that you look for a mentor to provide a strong letter of recommendation and to speak to several important aspects:

your abilities as an ADRD trialist,
your potential in the field moving forward, and
the opportunities available to you in ADRD trials.

When appropriate, letters should confirm your availability commit the time needed to attend the course. Co-letter writers are permitted.

Are there restrictions on what type of trial can be submitted for an IMPACT-AD Fellowship track application?

Applicants should submit an ADRD trial synopsis. Interventional studies (compared to observational studies) have been consistently better received by the IMPACT-AD review committee.

What are the eligibility requirements for submitting an application to the course?

The only requirements are current US residence, strong interest in ADRD trials, and a desire to learn.

What stage of career is encouraged to apply, for either track?

For the Fellowship track, applicants should be early-stage faculty or fellowship stage. Graduate trainees have also previously been accepted. For the Professionals track, you can be in any stage of your career, so long as you demonstrate a clear commitment to ADRD clinical trials.

How should applicants decide whether they should apply to the Fellowship track or the Professionals track?

Investigators who have a specific interest in trial protocol development and serving as trial principal investigators are appropriate for the Fellowship track. Clinical trial team members from a variety of roles (clinicians, coordinators, psychometricians, regulatory specialists, etc.) who demonstrate commitment to working in the field and are eager to increase their knowledge and understanding of ADRD trials are appropriate for the Professionals track.

What if my protocol synopsis looks like a former trainee? Will that disqualify me?

All IMPACT-AD protocol synopses are expected to be original work written by the applicant. Protocol synopsis written by an applicant’s mentor will not fare as well as an original trial proposal. Similarities to other ADRD clinical trials is acceptable so long as the proposed trial is novel in some form.