ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that fellowship training, particularly that which includes an extended period of research, is associated with post-fellowship research productivity but is often limited by lack of mentoring and resources. A primary role of the research director is the development of the investigators within the department. This not only includes the acquisition of basic research skills by the novice, but also the enhancement of research skills by the seasoned investigator. Productive psychiatry researchers rated training in data analysis and laboratory experience as more important than did less productive investigators. Although all investigators need to have project management and career planning skills, novice researchers have a particular set of technical skills, which they need to master. Previous research on predictors of individual scholarship has focused on professional training, research environment, and professional activities as predictors. The activities upon which a researcher focuses may differentially affect different outcomes. Time investment should be guided by long-term scholarly goals.
