To help young researchers meet an impending NIH policy requiring formal training in scientific rigor and reproducibility, the CCTS launched a web-based quiz game using the Kaizen platform. To beta test it, CCTS enlisted 26 volunteers to play. The game ran for four weeks, from Jan. 23 to Feb. 22. It was open to investigators across the CCTS Partner Network.
Based on the Kaizen (Japanese for “continuous improvement”) platform developed by CCTS Informatics, the gamification strategy has been successfully used at UAB to provide continuing education to medical, nursing, and dental students. Learning by play offers a fun, effective alternative for mastering new competencies.
CCTS originally created the R2T (rigor, reproducibility, and transparency) game with institutional T and K trainees and individual K and F awardees in mind. But those who registered included a more diverse set of players, including tenured professors and senior administrators, as well as participants from three CCTS Partners (UAB, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, and Southern Research).
Players confirmed the game was a great way to learn about R2T. “I enjoyed reviewing articles prior to competing every week,” said one. Another player praised the training for “laying out the p-value concept well, an often confusing topic.” Some players said they would prefer brief videos instead of the articles that were provided as review material, an idea that may be incorporated in future versions of the game.
CCTS Director Dr. Robert Kimberly found the initial results impressive and encouraged anyone seeking NIH funding not to underestimate the value of the curriculum. “The game provides an understanding of the NIH rigor, reproducibility, and transparency requirements, which will offer researchers an edge when competing for grants, especially when seeking competitive renewals,” he said.
The next Kaizen R2T game is set to begin on May 1st. To register or learn more, send email to CCTS Game Master