Interdisciplinary training in diabetes and metabolism research

About This Grant

ABSTRACT This revised application is for a new Diabetes Research Training Program (DRTP) at the University of Arizona (UA). We expanded the scope to include UA College of Medicine Phoenix, ASU, and the NIDDK Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch.UA is in the top 20 of Research I institutions with a proven record of interdisciplinary mentoring and research. UA has taken a path to broadening and improving faculty and research resources over the past 7 years, bringing new, well-funded faculty, committed to mentorship, to this application. Improvements in infrastructure will enable our trainees to gain true translational experiences across the spectrum of diabetes research. The DRTP is organized into 4 synergistic research themes: 1) Molecular Basis of Disease and Model Systems, 2) Mechanisms of pathogenesis of diabetes in humans, 3) Sequelae and Complications of Diabetes, and 4) Community-Engaged Research. This organizational structure creates a pipeline of integrative mentoring teams engaged in foundational physiological DRTP research, with modern and relevant research proficiencies, with verbal and written communication, mentorship, collaborative and networking competencies. The DRTP will meet the need for a diverse workforce in health-related careers by delivering a contemporary didactic experience in physiological DRTP research, applied research skills, community engagement, and career development. This program will include research related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because type 2 diabetes is one of the major health concern among all communities in Arizona, trainees will have research opportunities in community-engaged research via our Community Diabetes Biobank, El Banco Community Biobank. All Trainees will receive instruction in community-engaged research. Trainees will benefit from state-of-the-art Core facilities, DRTP disease-focused Research Centers, and Institutional resources. The training plan aligns with the NIH mission of translational research training where predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees receive a background in interdisciplinary research, experimental approaches, and practical/ethical aspects of careers in science. Trainees will develop presentation and intrapersonal skills through journal clubs, colloquia, seminars and attending institutional, national/international diabetes and diabetes-related conferences. Career development training will be conducted in the Graduate Center. The postdoctoral training plan will foster a path towards independence by expanding research focus, learning state-of-the-art techniques, and honing scientific writing skills. Training in building translational teams via the Eureka International Institute is available. >90% of trainees supported by this program remain in research-positions.