# Cardiovascular Epidemiology Training Grant

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $218,921

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
This competing continuation application builds on eight successful five-year cycles of NRSA/NHLBI
supported research training in cardiovascular (CV) epidemiology at the Department of Epidemiology,
University of North Carolina (UNC), Gillings School of Global Public Health. The goal of the program is to
train innovative researchers in the field of CV epidemiology, to channel qualified scientists into a
workforce capable to address challenges in CV health, and to provide them with the competencies
necessary for multidisciplinary work. Historical strengths of this program include: engaged mentoring,
participatory learning, and numerous research opportunities for trainees in environmental, behavioral,
social, genetic epidemiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD), subclinical atherosclerosis,
neuroepidemiology, and community-based surveillance of CVD. We also emphasize mentored career
development of trainees from minority groups under-represented in the biomedical sciences (12 minority
trainees supported in past 10 years).
New components to the program introduced over the last five years included an External Advisory Board,
and two new core research themes (vascular origins of cognitive impairment, and CVD outcomes
research). We propose to retain these along with other successful components, as well as introduce
three new areas of emphasis including: (1) integration of electronic health record capabilities into
research, (2) a cross-cutting theme on scientific rigor and reproducibility, and (3) greater emphasis on
oral and written communication competencies of trainees and fellows. Attracting trainees from minority
groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences will continue to be a priority.
Since 2005 this program provided training and funding support for 22 pre-doctoral and 16 postdoctoral
fellows. Ten trainees are currently in our training program. Of the 24 trainees and fellows who have
completed the training program in the past 10 years, 23 are currently engaged in research, including 14
in academics, 5 in state or federal agencies, 3 in for-profit organizations, and 1 in medical practice.
The 36 predoctoral or postdoctoral trainees funded by this program since the year 2005 published 709
manuscripts (213 as first-author) since entering the program. Of the first-authored papers, 92 were from
predoctoral trainees and 121 from postdoctoral fellows. Using the time since admission to this program
as a denominator, this translates into an average rate of 2.9 publications per person-year.
The program's leadership and support structure include a program steering committee, an External
Advisory Board, teams focused on mentorship, modular curriculum, career development, peer-led
workshops, seminar series, journal clubs, and national and international research collaboration
opportunities. We propose continuation of our four predoctoral and four postdoctoral trainee positions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200116
- **Project number:** 5T32HL007055-45
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Gerardo Heiss
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $218,921
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1975-07-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200116

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200116, Cardiovascular Epidemiology Training Grant (5T32HL007055-45). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200116. Licensed CC0.

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