# Research Training in Infectious Diseases

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2020 · $239,296

## Abstract

Program Summary
This application proposes continuation of a highly successful interdisciplinary training program
in infectious diseases research that is based on the tenet that both MD and PhD postdoctoral
research trainees benefit enormously from exposure to faculty and trainees from both
backgrounds. The program, whose research emphasis is on the interface between human host
and microbial (bacterial and viral) pathogens and their epidemiological spread and prevention,
provides an intense mentored research experience for MD and PhD postdoctoral trainees in
infectious diseases. This occurs in conjunction with an individualized curriculum of didactic
courses, seminars and journal clubs designed to encourage substantive interactions between
MDs and PhDs. A short- term 3-month research experience for medical students is also offered.
Most faculty are drawn from 1 basic science and 2 clinical departments, as well as 2
interdisciplinary PhD programs. Collaboration among program faculty is high. Research facilities
are superb. The scientific program centers around three major areas: 1) Host Defense,
emphasizing innate immunity; 2) Microbial Pathogenesis; and 3) Epidemiology and Healthcare
Infections. Faculty are divided into: 1) full members; and 2) associate members on the basis of
their extramural research support and their experience both as an independent investigator and
research mentor. Primary research mentors come from faculty meeting the criteria for full
membership. An important aspect of the 3-year research experience for MD postdoctoral
trainees with minimal prior research experience is an intensive exposure to a broad spectrum of
graduate level basic science courses. All postdoctoral trainees establish a Research Advisory
Committee. All trainees attend a research conference, as well as a seminar/ journal club
designed to encourage cross-fertilization of ideas and scientific approaches between clinical
medicine and basic science. They will interact with outstanding visiting scientists, attend
scientific meetings, learn scientific writing and grant preparation skills, and complete a course in
research and biomedical ethics. Recruitment of trainees in underrepresented minority groups
has been strong, and plans to expand efforts are in place. In summary, this proposal requests
continuation of an ongoing training program with an excellent training record which will provide a
coordinated and integrated training experience for postdoctoral MD and PhD trainees in
infectious diseases research related to the microbial pathogenesis of bacterial and viral
infections of humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10024315
- **Project number:** 2T32AI007343-31
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Jack T. Stapleton
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $239,296
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1988-07-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10024315

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10024315, Research Training in Infectious Diseases (2T32AI007343-31). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10024315. Licensed CC0.

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