Strategic Analysis, Research & Training Center (START)

To meet evolving public health needs, The Strategic Analysis, Research & Training (START) Center provides high quality research and analytic support to influential public health decision-makers while simultaneously mentoring and training the next generation of professionals. START was established through a partnership between the University of Washington and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2011. Under the START model, student-led, interdisciplinary teams of graduate student research assistants and faculty mentors develop and deliver innovative consultation for global and domestic health program efforts. The START Center continues to refine its interdisciplinary model and effective cross-university collaborations to optimally serve diverse clientele and expand its reach into new and emerging areas of interest. To date, the START Center has completed analyses and recommendations for over 215 research requests serving both global and domestic clients in Washington State and beyond, and has trained over 100 graduate research assistants.