Regional Postdoctoral Training Grant in Eating Disorders Research

ABSTRACT This T32 regional postdoctoral training grant in eating disorders research is a competitive renewal application for an Institutional Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA that was initially awarded in 2009. This multisite postdoctoral training program aims to prepare the next generation of scientists to advance the field of eating disorders research. The mortality risks and disease burden associated with eating disorders necessitate highly innovative and impactful investigations conducted by well-trained scientists. Mechanistic studies of the neurobiological, psychological, and environmental causes and maintenance factors of eating disorders that can be targeted in novel treatment and prevention programs are especially critical and remain a focus of our training program. This multidisciplinary T32 program combines the long-standing strengths of eating disorders research programs at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN), the University of Chicago (Chicago, IL), and Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research (Fargo, ND) to train emerging scientists in state-of-the-art research methods. Comprehensive training is provided in the context of mentored research and weekly T32 seminars as well as coursework. Trainees include 2 postdoctoral fellows at each site with training durations of 2-3 years. T32 faculty across the three sites include 23 experts in eating disorders and related conditions who represent multiple disciplines including psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, dietetics, neuroscience, and biostatistics. Each postdoctoral fellow is paired with an on-site primary mentor as well as a multisite mentoring team to identify and pursue individualized training goals. Training progress is monitored with the use of Individual Development Plans that are regularly reviewed and updated. Through their mentored research experiences, seminars, coursework, and on-site learning opportunities, postdoctoral fellows develop advanced skills in conducting rigorous research, publishing manuscripts, and submitting grant applications. Multisite collaborations are strongly supported. Research ethics, scientific rigor, and reproducibility are emphasized throughout the training program. Currently in its 14th year, this T32 program continues to be successful with a competitive applicant pool and high levels of research productivity among current and previous trainees in both publications and grant awards.