Office of Trainee Affairs
Office of Trainee Affairs
Research education and training are central to the mission of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the resource of the Office of Trainee Affairs is evidence of this commitment. As one of the nation’s top 10 free-standing pediatric research centers and an academic affiliate of The Ohio State University, AWRI is home to staff and faculty dedicated to mentoring and preparing the next generation of pediatric scientists.
AWRI hosts a diverse community of learners, including undergraduate and graduate students, residents and fellows, and postdoctoral researchers. Training is offered through formal coursework, small-group sessions, individualized mentoring, and immersive laboratory experiences.
The Office of Trainee Affairs coordinates these opportunities and provides a robust suite of programs, events, and resources to support trainees at every stage.
Awards and Fellowships
Travel Awards
Travel awards are available to trainees who have submitted and have been selected to present their research at a conference or meeting within the United States.
Graduate Student Research Awards
These awards aim to target and recruit exceptional students who have a high probability of obtaining extramural research support for their dissertation research. These awards help to assist with the costs of graduate student stipend and tuition for one academic year.
Postdoctoral Idea Research Awards
Awarded for original work proposed by postdoctoral researchers. Funds must be used for supplies and travel relevant to proposed research or salary support of the postdoctoral researcher.
If you have any questions, please email the Office of Trainee Affairs at OTA@NationwideChildrens.org.
Research Education and Training Opportunities
Our student research programs provide hands-on training and mentorship within our 15 Institutes and Centers of Excellence. Designed to foster the next generation of scientists and scholars, these opportunities allow students at various educational levels to engage directly in biomedical research while developing critical skills for their academic and professional growth. Program structure, eligibility, and financial support vary by level of training and area of interest.
Research Institute Trainee Association (RITA)
The Abigail Wexner Research Institute’s Trainee Association (RITA) was created in 2013 to help better train and prepare trainees for their “next steps.” All trainees at AWRI may participate, including graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and fellows. RITA is similar to other postdoctoral associations at universities and is modeled after guidelines established by the National Postdoctoral Association (of which The Research Institute is a member).
RITA’s leadership team consists of trainees nominated and elected by their peers. They receive guidance and assistance from an advisory committee of faculty co-advisors and research administrators who are dedicated to helping trainees.
Resources and Events
Resources
Academic and Career Development: OTA offers a variety of seminars and workshops designed to support our scholars’ evolving professional and research development needs. Each session features original content created and delivered by subject matter experts. Topics and schedules may vary throughout the year and can be customized based on program needs and participant interests.
Scientific Writing Development and Editing: OTA facilitates best writing practices to strengthen funding applications and support high-quality publications from the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Services include scientific editing, writing workshops and targeted training events, as well as curated resources to assist writers at every career stage.
Responsible Conduct of Research Training: We provide and track NIH-required training, both online asynchronous modules and in-person, discussion-based Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) sessions, to ensure programs remain compliant with federal standards. The discussion-based component is coordinated by OTA and delivered by research faculty and content experts from Nationwide Children’s.
Individual Development Planning: We support our trainees by offering a guided individual development planning. An experienced OTA member schedules a consultation with the trainee, guides them through self-assessment tools, and discuss strategies to support their short- and long-term career development.
Ombudsman: Ombudsman provides confidential intervention services for trainees to receive support, conflict coaching, facilitation of conversations and referrals to appropriate support services.
Mock Interviews & Job Talks: OTA offers in-person or virtual mock interviews and/or practice job talks upon request.
Training Grant Support: Our office partners with principal investigators to strengthen their training grant proposals by helping design comprehensive, evidence-based training curricula and identifying how best to leverage the Research Institute’s exceptional resources. We can assist with program development and structuring a well-rounded trainee experience that implements support services that enhance research and professional growth. A comprehensive approach to research training coupled with our unparalleled training environment ensures a solid foundation that prepares the next generation of researchers for success at every stage of their careers.
Research Events
Annual AWRI Research Retreat: The Annual AWRI Research Retreat is a two-day event bringing together investigators, trainees, and staff to celebrate and advance research across the institute. The retreat features a keynote address and poster and speaker sessions that span a broad range of topics. This annual event is our way of showcasing and celebrating the impactful work that our research community contributes to their respective fields as well as our research contribution to best outcomes for our patients and families.
Summer Student Poster Day: Educating the next generation of researchers is an important part of our mission. While education and training are constants at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute, training programs and internships often take place during the summer. This event celebrates the research achievements of our high school, undergraduate and medical summer interns. Each presenter showcases one poster highlighting work conducted in collaboration with their internship placement and mentors.