Implementation Science Academy
Harness Northwestern's internationally renowned strengths in dissemination and implementation science, human-centered design, digital health and health equity with these unique training experiences. Choose between the Implementation Science Academy and the Implementation Science Academy+.
Past Participants Say:
The Implementation Science Academy (ISA) is an annual methodological institute offered through the Department of Medical Social Sciences and in partnership with the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science. Included are pre-academy foundational webinars, a 3-day in-person project-based learning intensive, and post-academy technical assistance to ensure successful project execution and mastery learning.
Foundational work before the in-person ISA includes asynchronous webinars covering seminal topics in implementation science and practice, paired with synchronous office hours to begin developing your project. Our 3-day in-person training allows for deep engagement with project-based learning. Following the in-person training, you’ll receive further support to execute your project, grant submission, or other deliverable.
Next ISA Offering
April 20-22, 2027
Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
See required application materials and costs below.
Directors
 Rinad Beidas, PhD |
 Sara Becker, PhD |
 Allison Carroll, PhD |
Application Details
Eligibility Requirements
Although prior experience is not required, it is recommended to have a specific implementation science project (e.g., grant application) or initiative (e.g., quality improvement project) you plan to develop during the Academy. Familiarity with implementation science concepts is helpful to have prior to the in-person training, which attendees can prepare for with the pre-academy work. If you have questions about whether or not the ISA is a good fit, please email MSS_Education@northwestern.edu.
How to Apply
- CV, biosketch, or resume
- Concept paper
- Brief personal statement
The concept paper should include the following (Specific Aims format is acceptable):
- What is the "thing" you are trying to implement?
- What is your setting?
- What implementation strategies are you interested in deploying or have tried?
- How are you thinking about evaluating your initiative?
The brief personal statement (up to 250 words) should include a description of what you hope to get out of this training, including:
- Why are you interested in learning about implementation science?
- How will you use what you learn in the future?
Costs
The cost is $3,500 to register for the entire experience (pre-academy webinars and office hours, in-person training, and post-academy technical assistance). You are also responsible for any travel costs to attend the in-person training. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees.
Contact Us
For more information, or to sign up for our mailing list, please email MSS_Education@northwestern.edu. Consider signing up for the Department's other methodological institutes for additional training opportunities.
ISA+: From Understanding Implementation Problems to Implementation Impact
ISA+ is an advanced implementation science institute for investigators ready to move beyond identifying barriers and facilitators toward designing, testing, publishing, and sustaining implementation strategies. Through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, faculty consultations, and design studios, participants will learn how successful implementation scientists transform implementation challenges into impactful implementation trials. Rather than focusing solely on frameworks and methods, ISA+ emphasizes the practical decisions investigators face when developing implementation strategies, conducting hybrid trials, incorporating equity and economic evaluation, publishing findings, and adapting when studies do not go as planned.
Next ISA+ Offering
January 28-29, 2027
Application Deadline: January 8, 2027
See required application materials and costs below.
Directors
| Rinad Beidas, PhD |
 Callie Walsh-Bailey, PhD |
 Andrea Graham, PhD |
Application Details
Eligibility Requirements
Prior completion of an Implementation Science Academy or another introductory course on Implementation Science is required.
How to Apply
- Submit a CV, Biosketch, or resume
- Submit a concept paper (1 page; specific aims format is acceptable) describing your project including:
- What is the "thing" you are trying to implement?
- What is your setting
- What strategies are/will you use?
- How will you evaluate your initative?
Costs
The cost of the Implementation Science Academy+ is $2500 to register for the 2 full day virtual sessions.
Contact Us
For more information, or to sign up for our mailing list, please email MSS_Education@northwestern.edu. Consider signing up for the Department's other methodological institutes for additional training opportunities.