Advancing Research and Scholarship: Report of the 2024-25 AACP Research and Graduate Affairs Committee.

Abstract

The 2024-2025 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Research and Graduate Affairs Committee (RGAC or the Committee) was charged with creating an updated definition of research and scholarship for use by the academy, performing an audit of AACP activities to identify opportunities to advance or support research and scholarship as defined by the Committee, and developing metrics for these programs. The Committee met its first charge by providing updated definitions for both research and scholarship, recognizing that each is essential to the advancement of the pharmacy profession and of equal importance to the academy. In meeting its second charge, the Committee identified opportunities to add content and objectives related to research, scholarship and graduate education to several AACP programs. For many of these programs, the Committee noted that AACP could expand eligibility, adjust program requirements or reimagine marketing materials to enable or increase participation by graduate students, researchers, and basic scientists. The Committee highlighted expanded inclusion of science, research and graduate education topics in the AACP annual meeting, including through creation of a focused research and scholarship track. The Committee also identified opportunities for AACP to provide support for research and scholarship and research training through new programs. In meeting the third charge, the Committee considered AACP activities and programs related to research and scholarship and provided outcomes and metrics that could be used to evaluate these programs regularly, to ensure they are meeting their intended goals. In its call to action, the Committee resolves that a strong foundation in research and scholarship for all members of the academy is needed to advance the tripartite mission of higher education. The Committee proposes twelve recommendations for consideration by AACP and two suggestions for consideration by colleges and schools of pharmacy.