Interdisciplinary Musculoskeletal Research Training Program

Abstract The long-term, overall mission of this T32 is to provide a comprehensive and multi-level training program, exposing trainees to transdisciplinary science, and providing the building blocks to launch a long-lasting career that address pressing issues in musculoskeletal research. Within this five-year program, we will focus on the concept of interdisciplinary musculoskeletal research. Specifically, the proposed training program will provide integrated training for five predoctoral students in our three thematic areas: 1) MSK Development and Aging; 2) MSK Imaging and Translational Studies; and 3) MSK Cancers and Osteoimmunology. Our selected faculty within these themes align with the central concept of interdisciplinary research and have a strong track-record of mentoring predoctoral students. Our selected faculty within these themes align with the central concept of interdisciplinary science and have a strong record of accomplishment of mentoring predoctoral students and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Faculty within the MSK Development and Aging theme focus on understanding how mechanisms governing correct formation of MSK tissues and how these processes go astray with age. Early detection of MSK conditions aids in the management of MSK conditions, which is the focus of faculty within the MSK Imaging and Translational Studies theme. Lastly, faculty within the MSK Cancer and Osteoimmunology theme aim to identify potential treatments for MSK cancers and explore how MSK tissues, including cancers, interface with the immune system. Along with these topical foci, our training program incorporates methods to achieve specific training goals, including: 1) exposing trainees to broad MSK research topics and methods that address MSK conditions; 2) supplying training on ethics and reproducibility within research; 3) delivering skills needed to develop independent lines of research; and 4) providing networking and career development opportunities. This training program will ensure that trainees from diverse backgrounds will be in the best possible position to contribute effectively to advancing MSK science.