Research Training in the Epidemiology of Aging

Abstract As the number of older people increases worldwide, the need for scientists and clinicians in aging research is greater than ever with a critical need for interdisciplinary research on diseases and disabilities that affect a more diverse older population. The objective of years 26-30 of this successful training program is to continue training 5 pre- and 4 post-doctoral fellows to conduct independent and innovative original research in the epidemiology of aging, with an emphasis on the prevention of late life disability and functional decline and the maximization of function in those with existing disabilities and disabling conditions. The program emphasizes four broad substantive areas in which program faculty have gerontologic research experience and are conducting ongoing projects: musculoskeletal epidemiology; neuroepidemiology; genetic epidemiology and genomics; and pharmacoepidemiology. The program prepares trainees to: 1) participate in an interdisciplinary research team under supervision of a primary mentor expert in the epidemiology of aging and secondary mentors expert in epidemiology methods and/or biostatistics, gerontology, and content areas relevant to trainee research; 2) develop a research question, articulate hypotheses, and design and perform an epidemiologic study; 3) become expert in one substantive area relevant to the prevention of disability and functional decline; 4) demonstrate excellence in the conduct of independent, innovative research; 5) gain experience in the presentation of research results, using written, visual, and oral formats; 6) integrate a core curriculum in epidemiology, gerontology, and biostatistics; 7) master the principles of responsible conduct of research and scientific rigor and reproducibility; 8) apply epidemiology of aging methods within clinical contexts; and 9) be prepared for the transition to a research career in academia, government, industry, or non-profit sector using capabilities in the epidemiology of aging. The program is located within the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH) of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Major program strengths include: 1) expert faculty in epidemiology of aging, gerontology, biostatistics, and other substantive areas; 2) interdisciplinary training and research opportunities in aging and related areas; 3) graduate training opportunities including advanced coursework through the four supporting doctoral programs; 4) increased training of clinician scientists; 5) commitment to fostering inclusive training; and 6) ability to capitalize on Baltimore/Washington corridor to leverage resources across multiple domains (academia, government, industry, and non-profit). The highly qualified faculty and rich training environment of our program are uniquely suited to provide this interdisciplinary approach needed to train the next generation of scholars with a commitment to epidemiology of aging to find the solutions required to improve the quality of life for older persons. The MPIs bring complementary expertise essential to the success of the program; each has over 20 years of experience in interdisciplinary research, education, and mentorship.