Postdoctoral Research Training in Lung Injury and Inflammation - Project Summary/Abstract We enthusiastically submit this application for a new T32 training program here at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) entitled Postdoctoral Research Training in Lung Injury and Inflammation. This new program builds upon our experience and success achieved over a 15-year period with two prior and completed postdoctoral T32s based here in our Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy. The primary goal of our T32 training environment is the career development of the next generation of scientific leaders in the fields of pulmonary and critical care medicine in a multi-faceted research and training environment focused on the overall pathophysiologic theme of Lung Injury and Inflammation. Comprehensive training using state-of-the-art approaches will be provided along three integrated and complementary thematic pathways: 1) Molecular Mechanisms and Preclinical Models, 2) Computational and Omic Approaches, and 3) Comparative Effectiveness and Health Inequality. These tracks constitute the corner stones of medical research today: (i) elucidating basic molecular-cellular mechanisms of the lung disease; (ii) utilizing advanced “big data” approaches to generate novel insights into disease; (iii) evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and assess for possible inequality. This innovative training program utilizes state-of-the-art research approaches to produce a vibrant and productive training environment. Our underlying premise and unifying hypothesis is that an integrated program focused on cutting-edge research approaches will inspire a new generation of successful scientific leaders in lung diseases. With frequent input and feedback from faculty, trainees, and internal and external advisors, we continually enhance and improve our training environment to optimize the career development and scientific success of our trainees. Programmatic highlights include the following: a) training opportunities led by faculty experts in acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, precision medicine, computational modeling, healthcare design, implementation science, etc.; b) Research Advisory Committees for each trainee that are actively engaged and provide individualized training plans that specify timelines and target milestones; c) recent T32 graduates and current “K-level” junior faculty actively participate as positive role models and assigned “near peer” advisors for every trainee; d) instruction in responsible conduct of research, reproducibility and rigor, bias reduction, and grant writing; e) frequent “360 degree” evaluations of the program with emphasis on current and former trainee reviews and input. Postdoctoral candidates will be accepted for 2-3 years of research training based upon a comprehensive holistic review. Four trainee positions will be available each year.
