Northwestern University Allergy and Immunology Research (NUAIR) Program

PROJECT SUMMARY The overall aim of the Northwestern University Allergy-Immunology Research (NUAIR) Program is to train postdoctoral scientists in translational research, defined as research of disease mechanisms that includes investigations in human subjects, using human samples or appropriate pre-clinical models of disease. The NUAIR Program builds on our Allergy and Immunology Fellowship, which has a long history of excellence in clinical and academic training. Unified efforts of established investigators in our Division with those from other Divisions and Departments have created a rich environment for translational research in the NUAIR program. This program enables clinical and basic researchers, both faculty and trainees, to collaborate and interact in weekly research and didactic activities. These collaborations have led to multidisciplinary translational research programs for several allergic diseases supported by well-equipped laboratories, many excellent research cores and facilities, and institutional resources and initiatives. Under the NUAIR Program, a steady state of four highly competitive MD, MD/PhD, and/or PhD postgraduate trainees per year will receive 2 years of translational research training. Each will receive mentoring in clinical and basic research to study mechanisms of allergic and immunological diseases. The mentors in our program were carefully selected based on their track record of publications, awarded grants, mentoring, collaboration, and translational research interests that matched the needs of the program. In addition to well-structured research training, mentoring and didactic activities, close evaluation of trainees’ needs and performances will ensure proper progress during training. Over the course of this grant, 30 trainees have been successfully mentored. The majority of matriculated trainees assumed academic or research positions. Our retention plan includes support for select trainees who remain in our Division as junior faculty members after T32-supported training, while seeking external funding support. Senior faculty members in the Allergy and Immunology Division have a strong record of mentoring NUAIR trainees towards obtaining K awards and independent R grants. We also offer programs to inspire medical students and residents to pursue careers in Allergy and Immunology. Taken together, our rapidly expanding and comprehensive Allergy and Immunology research environment provides state-of-the-art training for highly qualified MD, MD/PhD and PhD postdoctoral trainees. These trainees will conduct collaborative translational research in Immunology, initiating research careers that will help solve the critical national need for academic leaders in this field.