SPARK NS Learning Center: Helping More Discoveries Reach Patients
Now, all researchers interested in or currently developing therapeutics for autism, Parkinson's disease, or adjacent conditions can request free access to the SPARK NS Learning Center.
A great discovery is just the beginning.
“A common misconception is that if we were to publish our findings in a high-impact publication that will on its own provide enough justification to take that science and develop it into a drug,” said Opher Kornfeld, PhD, SPARK NS Managing Director of Translational Research and Development. “As it turns out, there’s a lot of non-intuitive know-how that is essential for advancing promising discoveries beyond the university setting.”
Developing a therapeutic can take more than a decade and cost over a billion dollars. “And after that, only 14% of discoveries entering clinical trials actually make it to patients,” said Adriana Garcia, PhD, SPARK NS Senior Education Manager. “Bringing promising biomedical discoveries to patients is a complex and high-risk journey, one that demands knowledge and skills rarely taught in academia.”
To help researchers navigate this journey, SPARK NS is expanding access to the SPARK NS Learning Center, a resource previously available only to participants in our translational research program.
About the SPARK NS Learning Center
The Learning Center is a free online educational platform offering courses and content in translational research, drug discovery and development, and commercialization developed by scientific and industry expert advisors.
Organized around the three phases of drug development—Discover, Develop, and Deliver—the platform provides courses, modules, videos, lectures, and other resources designed to help researchers better understand the drug development process and become better prepared to collaborate with industry on advancing their discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
Designed for Learners at All Levels of Experience
The Learning Center combines foundational concepts with practical, real-world insights from industry experts.
Researchers who are new to drug development can begin with the Foundations Course. "This course provides researchers with the foundational knowledge needed to successfully develop a therapeutic, including identifying unmet medical needs, defining critical product attributes, assessing the feasibility of development, and strategic considerations for commercialization," said Dr. Garcia.
More experienced researchers can build their own learning path by selecting specific modules, videos, and lectures on specific drug development topics and learn at their own pace.
Who Can Request Access?
The Learning Center is designed for principal investigators, postdocs, students, and other research scientists in academic or nonprofit research institutions interested in or currently developing a therapeutic for autism, Parkinson's Disease, or adjacent conditions.
Applicants to the SPARK NS Translational Research Program find our drug development courses and content valuable as they prepare an application. "Learning the principles of translational research and drug development can help you put together a stronger proposal," said Dr. Kornfeld.
Researchers, students, and professionals in other disciplines with an interest in drug development are also encouraged to request access.
Watch the video for an overview of the SPARK NS Learning Center, including its purpose, content, and how to make the most of the platform once you gain access.
Learn More
- Access the the SPARK NS Learning page on the SPARK NS website to learn more about the Learning Center and request access
- Learn more about SPARK NS