Program Overview

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Firearm Injury Prevention Research in Nursing (FIPRN) Scholars Program

The FIPRN Scholars Program prepares researchers from nursing and allied fields to advance innovative, community-engaged work in firearm injury prevention. Hosted by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO, the FIPRN Scholars Program is a 12-week hybrid training initiative designed to equip scientists from nursing and allied fields with cutting-edge research skills, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, and build a national network of firearm injury prevention researchers in nursing.

About the Program

The program is designed for early-career nurse scientists (PhD, DNP, post-doctoral fellows), but is also suitable for doctoral students, pre-doctoral fellows, and/or residents in nursing, public health, medicine, or related fields. Mid-career scientists interested in moving into firearm injury prevention research may also be considered.

Application Process

• Online application
  • Cover letter with responses to application prompts
  • Curriculum Vitae
• Priority Deadline: November 7, 2025
• Priority acceptance decisions sent late November 2025

Key Dates

• Deadline: November 7, 2025
• In-person Intensive: February 23-26, 2026
• Virtual Learning: March-May, 2026
• Final Convening (optional): April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?

The program runs for 12 weeks, including a required 3.5-day in-person intensive in Aurora, CO, and weekly virtual sessions. Scholars will also have the option to attend an in-person gathering connected to the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research Conference in Providence, RI. Mentoring and networking can continue beyond the course.

Do I need prior firearm injury prevention research experience?

No, we welcome applicants new to the topic. Prior basic research experience is recommended.

Is financial support available?

There is no cost to participate. All costs (travel, lodging, and meals) to attend the in-person intensive at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO are covered for accepted scholars.

Can I participate if I'm not a nurse?

Yes. Nurse scientists are prioritized, but applicants from allied and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

What kind of mentorship will I receive?

Each scholar is matched with faculty based on research interests. Mentorship includes career guidance, project involvement, and ongoing support.

What if I cannot make the in-person dates?

Participation is required for the in-person intensive, so only those available to attend should apply. If you cannot participate in the 2026 cohort, we do hope to offer the program in future years.

Curriculum Overview

Concepts in Firearm Injury Prevention

• Epidemiology of intentional and unintentional firearm injury, risk factors, limitations, and gaps in the field
• Public health approach and the evidence-base for existing prevention and intervention strategies

Research Methods

• Study design, methodological approaches, and data sources by etiology of firearm injury
• Best practices for dissemination and implementation

Community-Engaged Research

Frameworks for community-engaged research and the importance of context and non-partisan, respectful, tailored engagement for both research and practice

Team Science

• Consideration and logistics of interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaborations
• Dissemination to reach varied audiences, including the general public, practitioners, and policy makers

Program Highlights

• Hybrid Format: 3.5-day in-person workshop + 10 weeks of virtual learning
• Hands-On Mentorship: Work with national, expert faculty and active research projects
• Team Science Focus: Interdisciplinary collaboration across nursing, medicine, public health, and more
• Community Engagement: Work with real-world partners to shape impactful research
• Career-Long Networking: Build lasting connections with national experts and peers
• No cost to participate: All expenses covered for accepted scholars

Our Team

Marian Betz MD, MPH

Professor, Deputy Director (IVPC), Department of Epidemiology Emergency Medicine (SOM) Injury & Violence Prevention Center

Ashley Brooks-Russell PhD, MPH

Associate Professor, Director (IVPC), Department of Community & Behavioral Health Injury & Violence Prevention Center Research Focus: Adolescent Health Injury and Violence Survey Methodology Traffic Safety Research

Scott Harpin PhD, MPH, RN, FSHAM

Associate Professor, Division Chair - MCH, College of Nursing Department of Community & Behavioral Health Research Focus: Child Mental Health Public Health Nursing Youth Injury and Violence Prevention

Terri Lewis

Associate Professor, Department of Community & Behavioral Health Injury & Violence Prevention Center Pediatric Kempe Center General Operations (SOM) Research Focus: Adolescent Medicine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Physical Abuse

The FIPRN Scholar Program is developed and hosted by the University of Colorado Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, College of Nursing, and the Injury & Violence Prevention Center with funding from the National Institute for Nursing Research (R25NR).