University of Michigan Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research Training Network

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Michigan (UM) Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research Training Network (KUHR) was developed with the primary goal of creating an institutional infrastructure with resources to aid recruiting and preparing a diverse group of trainees (predoctoral to physician scientists and PhD postdoctoral fellows) for

academic careers. The Program faculty mentors and trainees will pursue a broad translational science spectrum from the biological basis of disease to interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public in the KUH domain. The U2C component will coordinate and provide administrative support through its

Administrative Core to achieve the goals of the Program, structured around the following Specific Aims. Aim 1: To train the next generation of scientists in KUH relevant areas. The TL1 component supports a rigorous training program emphasizing research training themes based both on the critical need to develop well-trained

investigators in all areas along the translational and cross-disciplinary spectrum of KUH disease research and on the investigative interest and expertise of program faculty members. In addition to UM, Program faculty members are drawn from a regional research base involving the University of Toledo, Ohio and institutions

across the State of Michigan. Trainees focused on basic research will participate in an intensive pre or postdoctoral research training program. Trainees focused on more translational or health services research will often pursue a Master's Program in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis, Bioinformatics, Health

and Health Care Research or Health Infrastructures and Learning Systems. Aim 2: To assist trainees with developing the skills broadly necessary for a successful career in research. Offerings from the Professional Development Core will support activities and curricula designed to enhance trainee research

competitiveness in research, including building skills in leadership and communication, grant writing and professional networking. Aim 3: To ensure the provision of robust and skillful research mentoring. The Professional Development Core will also include specific curricula directed at preceptors to develop their

mentoring skills. Another important component, the Networking Core will develop systems and processes that support direct peer communication and near-peer mentoring amongst all trainees supported directly by the TL1 component of this award, as well as those institutional trainees already supported by other NIH training

mechanisms. Aim 4: To establish a pipeline for future trainees fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Community outreach to attract diverse early-career students (high school and undergraduate) into KUH research areas is another important focus of the Networking Core. The ultimate goal of the Program is to

attract, recruit, provide networking opportunities, engage and prepare trainees for academic KUH disease research careers in the United States.