About Us

The Investigator Career Advancement Program (iCAP) supports early-career, tenure-track faculty at UMass Chan in launching successful, independent research groups. iCAP provides equitable access to mentorship, strategies, resources, and professional development opportunities that prepare faculty to be both productive scientists and effective leaders.

Using an efficient, cohort-based model of faculty development, iCAP integrates:

• A comprehensive faculty development curriculum tailored to meet the holistic needs of early-career faculty—spanning mentor training, research management, communication, collaboration, and well-being
• Individualized scientific communication support to strengthen funding proposals and research communication
• Robust mentorship networks that offer career and psychosocial support
• Community-building activities that foster peer connection, collaboration, and belonging

Consistent with UMass Chan Medical School’s mission-aligned commitment to inclusive excellence, iCAP ensures that early-career faculty have the support and resources needed to thrive. By equipping faculty to excel as independent investigators, mentors, and leaders, iCAP advances faculty success in alignment with the university’s mission to promote scientific inquiry in a welcoming and inclusive academic community.