# UAB Obesity Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2021 · $237,610

## Abstract

This is a resubmission of a renewal application for a successful training program initiated in 2002 that prepares
postdoctoral scientists for careers in interdisciplinary obesity research and also provides short-term research
training for medical students in the summer between freshman and sophomore years. Postdoctoral fellows enroll
in a formal 2–3 year program tailored to individual interests aimed to promote development of independent
research careers. Fellows are selected based on outstanding academic records in graduate school,
recommendations, interviews, and a commitment to an investigative career in obesity. Training occurs in a rich
intellectual environment that incorporates the research and enrichment programs of UAB's Nutrition Obesity
Research Center and the Diabetes Research Center, with one or more key research center members serving
as faculty mentors. The faculty's diverse disciplinary backgrounds (physicians, psychologists, statisticians,
economists, physiologists, geneticists, molecular and cell biologists, epidemiologists, nutritionists, etc.) and
strong collaborative ties foster team training and mentoring in innovative multidisciplinary research. Regular
reviews of individual trainees are completed by the training Program Directors to ensure achievement of
milestones and progress toward independent research careers. Funding is requested for 5 postdoctoral trainee
slots. Our aims are:
Specific Aim 1. To recruit highly talented and accomplished candidates for postdoctoral research training who
 have established excellence as graduate students in the biological or behavioral sciences, an interest in
 obesity, and a clear commitment to life-long careers as investigators.
Specific Aim 2. To involve postdoctoral fellows in a career development program that features high-impact
 research in the context of multidisciplinary mentorship teams and a rich intellectual environment, leaving
 them poised to pursue innovative lines of investigation as they evolve to independence.
Specific Aim 3. To maintain a stimulating intellectual environment for training, enhanced by the enrichment
 programs of our NIH research centers, including visiting lectureships by national and international leaders
 in obesity research, special events, courses, career development initiatives, grant writing, collegial
 interactions, a collaborative spirit, and training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research and
 methods for enhancing reproducibility.
Specific Aim 4. To continue a productive collaboration with the Diabetes Research Center in the short-term
 training of medical students with career goals in academic medicine and research and who have an interest
 in obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic disease.
Specific Aim 5: To launch a new generation of ethnically diverse scientists who will comprise the next generation
 of scientific leaders in obesity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10170702
- **Project number:** 2T32DK062710-16A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** W Timothy GARVEY
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $237,610
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2004-07-01 → 2026-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10170702

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10170702, UAB Obesity Training Program (2T32DK062710-16A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10170702. Licensed CC0.

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