552 Substance Abuse Research: Bench to Community (SARB2C) as a Model for Team Science

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To present Substance Abuse Research: Bench to Community (SARB2C) as a model for team science both within and between institutions. Emerging from targeted efforts by the NIH to engage translational scientists in prominent public health issues, the initiative illustrates the benefits of bringing together researchers and trainees to share ideas. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In 2019 a group was formed at University of Florida to discuss ongoing translational research in the area of substance abuse, including faculty, staff, and trainees from across the campus. The group was expanded in February 2022 to include domestic colleagues at the University of Kentucky as well as international collaborators at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. One-hour monthly meetings began in person but now take place virtually. Larger projects are discussed individually, focusing on opportunities for collaboration. Attendees also provide updates on their work, including proposals in development and manuscripts in process. This facilitates dialogue around the science, from the bench to the community, and connects people to advance team science. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In light of the ongoing opioid epidemic and the public health threat of other emerging substances, collaboration among researchers in this area is essential to advance the science and explore real-world solutions. SARB2C demonstrates the benefit of connecting researchers across T0 to T4, and that of including trainees for invaluable experience. This environment fosters open discussion and creativity and helps break down the silos that impede science. A highlight from early in the group’s history was a visit from the Program Officer for the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute in February 2020. Since that time, multiple collaborations have resulted in grants submitted, such as P30 center grants and an innovative R61/R33, as well as numerous publications. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: A complex public health emergency like the opioid epidemic requires creativity and collaboration, from laboratory science to interventions in the community, putting it squarely within the sights of translational research. SARB2C will soon enter its fifth year of linking researchers and training the next generation of scientists.