Accelerating Early-Career Independent Research Potential in Nutrition Sciences

Junior scientists often face barriers to academic career success that can limit their ability to thrive as independent investigators. Academic units with strengths in nutrition, obesity, and diabetes research have an opportunity and a responsibility to develop programs that address these challenges and enhance the careers of early-stage researchers. This need is particularly relevant in Alabama and surrounding Deep South states, where obesity-related chronic diseases remain a major public health concern. We propose to develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative program to help junior scientists identify and overcome barriers to academic success, while enhancing their research, mentoring, and leadership skills. We have a strong pipeline of T32 training grants at pre- and postdoctoral levels to bring talented scientists to UAB, along with commitments from units within UAB to create faculty positions (and/or retention packages) for those who complete the program. The specific aims are: (1) To engage the participation of at least three cohorts of 3–4 junior scientists (postdoctoral fellows, assistant professors) to spend three years in a program aimed at developing skills for success as independent researchers/principal investigators in academia, (2) To provide a three-year educational and mentoring program focusing on the development of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and team-development skills, (3) To establish mentoring teams for each participant that include scientific mentors, academic/institutional navigators, and a wellness coach, and (4) To develop a comprehensive plan for evaluating and potentially expanding the program. UAB provides an ideal environment for supporting the career development of scientists. The Department of Nutrition Sciences houses three NIH-funded centers – the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC), the Nutrition for Precision Health Clinical Center (NPHCC), and the Diabetes Research Center (DRC). The School of Health Professions also houses a CDC-funded National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD). This application is supported by the institution and includes consideration for hiring scholars who successfully complete the program. Innovative aspects of this proposal include the use of dedicated mentoring teams to facilitate research productivity and to help participants develop the professional skills needed for advancement and long-term success within academic institutions