UAB Obesity Training Program

This is a resubmission of a renewal application for a successful training program initiated in 2002 that prepares postdoctoral scientists for careers in interdisciplinary obesity research and also provides short-term research training for medical students in the summer between freshman and sophomore years. Postdoctoral fellows enroll in a formal 2–3 year program tailored to individual interests aimed to promote development of independent research careers. Fellows are selected based on outstanding academic records in graduate school, recommendations, interviews, and a commitment to an investigative career in obesity. Training occurs in a rich intellectual environment that incorporates the research and enrichment programs of UAB's Nutrition Obesity Research Center and the Diabetes Research Center, with one or more key research center members serving as faculty mentors. The faculty's diverse disciplinary backgrounds (physicians, psychologists, statisticians, economists, physiologists, geneticists, molecular and cell biologists, epidemiologists, nutritionists, etc.) and strong collaborative ties foster team training and mentoring in innovative multidisciplinary research. Regular reviews of individual trainees are completed by the training Program Directors to ensure achievement of milestones and progress toward independent research careers. Funding is requested for 5 postdoctoral trainee slots. Our aims are: Specific Aim 1. To recruit highly talented and accomplished candidates for postdoctoral research training who have established excellence as graduate students in the biological or behavioral sciences, an interest in obesity, and a clear commitment to life-long careers as investigators. Specific Aim 2. To involve postdoctoral fellows in a career development program that features high-impact research in the context of multidisciplinary mentorship teams and a rich intellectual environment, leaving them poised to pursue innovative lines of investigation as they evolve to independence. Specific Aim 3. To maintain a stimulating intellectual environment for training, enhanced by the enrichment programs of our NIH research centers, including visiting lectureships by national and international leaders in obesity research, special events, courses, career development initiatives, grant writing, collegial interactions, a collaborative spirit, and training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research and methods for enhancing reproducibility. Specific Aim 4. To continue a productive collaboration with the Diabetes Research Center in the short-term training of medical students with career goals in academic medicine and research and who have an interest in obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease. Specific Aim 5: To launch a new generation of ethnically diverse scientists who will comprise the next generation of scientific leaders in obesity.