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Translational Capabilities: Training programs (Milestone 4.J)

Expand existing and create new integrative training programs for early career neuroscience, behavioral and social science researchers that include training in aging biology, systems biology, geriatrics, all aspects of data science as well as traditional and emerging drug discovery disciplines. These efforts should include cross-disciplinary training programs in AD, aging, epidemiology, neuropsychology, environmental health, genomics, and data science to enhance the workforce needed for research on gene-environment interactions in AD and AD health disparities. 

Success Criteria

  • Enhance existing and establish new institutional training programs as well as fellowship and career development programs to develop a diverse translational and data science workforce.

  • Create a series of cross-disciplinary career development programs in AD/ADRD for early-stage scientists that are under-represented in the scientific workforce.

  • Use multiple funding mechanisms such as training and conference grants, to promote the adoption of best practices for rigorous and reproducible research and propagation of open science principles among early career scientists.

Summary of Key Accomplishments

NIA supports multiple opportunities for interdisciplinary training and career development for junior investigators. One example is the AD-focused Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (RCMARs), which are designed to enhance the diversity of the aging research workforce by mentoring promising early-stage scientists from underrepresented groups for careers in aging research in priority areas of social, behavioral, and economic research on AD/ADRD.

The Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease and AD-Related Dementias provide junior investigators with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct rigorous and cutting-edge translational research for AD/ADRD. Eleven training programs have been established via this initiative. NIA has also issued opportunities for short interdisciplinary courses offered to a wide range of researchers, including junior investigators, on a variety of topics Collectively, these initiatives aim to enable the development of a diverse research workforce that can effectively participate in, and/or lead impactful research in AD/ADRD.

The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022. 

Research Implementation Area
Translational Tools, Infrastructure, and Capabilities
Timeline
2016–2024
Status
In Progress

Accomplishments/Implementation Activities

Funding Initiatives

Research Programs and Resources

Research Highlights

Relevant Recommendations

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