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. 2025 Feb 11;9(1):e50.
doi: 10.1017/cts.2025.17. eCollection 2025.

Toward equity in cultivating a " garden of mentors:" An exploration of networking experiences in an implementation research training program

Loni J Parrish  1   2 , Amanda Gilbert  2 , Kate Hoppe  2 , Gloria D Coronado  1 , Karen M Emmons  3 , Amy A Eyler  2 , Debra Haire-Joshu  4 , Rebekah R Jacob  2 , Alison B Hamilton  5   6 , Shelly J Kannuthurai  7 , Ross C Brownson  2   8
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Toward equity in cultivating a " garden of mentors:" An exploration of networking experiences in an implementation research training program

Loni J Parrish et al. J Clin Transl Sci. .

Abstract

Introduction: The Institute for Implementation Science Scholars (IS-2) is a dissemination and implementation (D&I) science training and mentoring program. A key component of IS-2 is collaborating and networking. To build knowledge on effective networking and mentoring, this study sought to 1) conduct a social network analysis to determine whether underrepresented scholars have equivalent levels of connection and 2) gain insights into the differences in networking among racial/ethnic subgroups of scholars.

Methods: Social network survey data were used to select participants based on number of collaborative connections (highest, lowest) and racial/ ethnic category (underrepresented, not underrepresented). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an iterative process.

Results: The sample consisted of eight highly networked scholars, eight less networked scholars, seven from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and nine from not underrepresented groups. Qualitative data showed a lack of connection, reluctance to network, and systematic issues including institutional biases as possible drivers of group differences. In addition, scholars provided suggestions on how to overcome barriers to networking and provided insights into how IS-2 has impacted their D&I research and knowledge.

Conclusions: Underrepresented scholars have fewer network contacts than not underrepresented scholars in the IS-2 training program. It is imperative for leadership to be intentional with mentorship pairing, especially for underrepresented scholars. Future research might include interviews with program leaders to understand how network pairings are built to improve the mentorship experience.

Keywords: Implementation science; capacity-building program; mentoring; networking; training program.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Satisfaction by network type and representation.
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