The Training Program in Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric Life Course Epidemiology

Program Summary: The Training Program in Reproductive, Perinatal, and Pediatric (RPP) Life Course Epidemiology – sponsored by the Departments of Epidemiology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Biostatistics at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health – aims to prepare the next generation of life course-focused, innovative, transdisciplinary investigators in the field of RPP research. The Program is further supported by the departments of Environmental Health, Nutrition, and Immunology and Infectious Diseases, reflecting the transdisciplinary nature of RPP life course epidemiology. The Program boasts accomplished faculty who have worked collaboratively to advance our understanding of the critical issues faced in the field of RPP life course epidemiologic health research. The overarching goals of the Program are to train pre- and postdoctoral fellows to become future leading scholars who are: 1) knowledgeable about the current state of science in RPP life course epidemiology; 2) skilled in advanced epidemiological and biostatistical methods to undertake RPP life course research; 3) skilled in effective communication, with a strong ability to formulate and write research proposals and scientific manuscripts for publication, as well as to interpret and disseminate data to scientific and lay communities; and 4) anchored in peer and professional networks including individual and group mentorship opportunities that support continuous professional development, leadership, teamwork, and access to resources to translate knowledge into new independent areas of RPP life course epidemiologic research. The Program aims to not only develop knowledge, skills, and capacity toward scientific excellence in RPP sciences, but also inspire a generation of young scholars to adapt to the evolving research climate, which will increasingly require a transdisciplinary, team-science approach to tackle contemporary and future public health issues. Thus, pre- and postdoctoral fellows will follow transdisciplinary training involving a combination of coursework, seminars, practicum, and independent and collaborative research in RPP life course epidemiology. A key aspect of this application is a cutting-edge mentoring plan, which involves assigning at least three mentors from different career stages, with expertise in the fellow’s broad area of research interest. Each fellow will obtain hands-on experience with study planning, data collection, and data analysis in a rich training environment leveraging well-established cohorts led by Program Faculty, with additional mentoring in competing for funds, reviewing and publishing, teaching and public speaking, and leadership and citizenship, which will provide a bridge to launching independent careers in RPP epidemiologic research. Aligned with the mission of the NICHD, this Program will strive to build capacity toward a scientific workforce that will be equipped to advance our understanding of significant reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric health issues, and use cutting-edge evidence to inform clinical practice, translate science into policy action, and implement prevention strategies to improve the health of women and children across the reproductive life course.