SPARK NS Learning
A great discovery is just the beginning. Bringing promising biomedical discoveries to patients is a complex and high-risk journey — one that demands knowledge and know-how rarely taught in academia. SPARK NS Learning offers online and in-person courses and content spanning the entire drug development process, preparing academic researchers to collaborate with industry to more effectively advance their discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
Introducing the SPARK NS Learning Center
An online learning platform with drug development courses and content developed by experts for academic researchers. Available at no cost with options for learners of all levels.
Request Access NowStart With the Essentials
New to drug development? Our Foundations course introduces and covers the basics of the three phases of drug development.
Choose Your Own Path
More experienced learners can select modules, videos, and lectures on specific drug development topics based on their interests.
Learn From Experts
Video lessons, lectures, and case studies from experts help you bring the theories of drug development into the real world.
Eligibility
The SPARK NS 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. Students and professionals in other disciplines with an interest in drug development are also encouraged to request access.
Request AccessNow
Additional Resources
What Learners are Saying
Current users reflect on their experiences with the Learning Center.
Testimonials
“There is a lot in my academic background that I was never exposed to so having this information is incredibly useful.”
Explore Available Content
All courses, modules, videos, and lectures are free and available on demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPARK NS Learning?
What is SPARK NS Learning?
SPARK NS Learning offers academic researchers in-person and online learning opportunities in translational research, drug discovery and development, and commercialization. Our goal is to equip researchers with the knowledge and know-how needed to navigate the complex and often unfamiliar process of translating scientific discoveries into therapeutics that can benefit patients.
What is the SPARK NS Learning Center?
What is the SPARK NS Learning Center?
The SPARK NS Learning Center is an online platform that hosts the educational content of SPARK NS Learning. Through the platform, researchers can access courses, modules, videos, lectures, and other resources covering the three phases of drug development: Discover, Develop, and Deliver.
Who is the Learning Center for?
Who is the Learning Center for?
The Learning Center is designed for principal investigators, postdocs, students, and other research scientists in academic or nonprofit research institutions who are interested in or currently developing therapeutics for autism, Parkinson's Disease, or adjacent conditions. It is also available to students and professionals with a general interest in therapeutic development.
What will I learn in the Learning Center?
What will I learn in the Learning Center?
The Learning Center guides you through the three phases of drug development: Discover, Develop, and Deliver. Through case studies and examples, the platform helps researchers apply what they learn to real-world challenges. Content spans foundational concepts such as unmet medical need, drug discovery and optimization, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization strategies, including starting and funding companies.
Is there a catalog or listing of content available in the Learning Center?
Is there a catalog or listing of content available in the Learning Center?
Yes. Follow this link to view and/or download a PDF that lists all the content available in the Learning Center.
Do I need prior experience in translational research or therapeutic development?
Do I need prior experience in translational research or therapeutic development?
No. The Learning Center includes foundational content for those new to translational research as well as focused modules, videos, and lectures for those with experience looking to deepen their knowledge in specific areas.
Where should I start?
Where should I start?
For researchers new to translational research and drug development, we recommend starting 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. Researchers with prior experience can explore individual modules, videos, and lectures to focus on topics most relevant to their work.
How long will I have access to the Learning Center?
How long will I have access to the Learning Center?
After you register for the Learning Center, you will have ongoing access allowing you to revisit materials as you advance your projects and engage with new content as it becomes available.
How do I get access to the Learning Center?
How do I get access to the Learning Center?
After submitting a request access form, you will receive an invitation to join the Learning Center within 48 business hours.
How can I learn more about SPARK NS and your translational research program?
How can I learn more about SPARK NS and your translational research program?
Visit the SPARK NS website at www.sparkns.org/program.
Who should I contact with questions about the Learning Center?
Who should I contact with questions about the Learning Center?
For questions about SPARK NS Learning or the Learning Center, contact sparknslearning@sparkns.org.
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