# Training in Auditory and Vestibular Neuroscience

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2022 · $318,138

## Abstract

Project Summary
This application requests funds to continue a training program in auditory and vestibular
neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. Resources to support three predoctoral and two
postdoctoral trainees per year are requested. While considerable progress has been made in
identifying the genetic and molecular bases of inner ear deficits, the biological bases of
centrally-generated hearing and balance disorders, which are increasingly recognized as major
contributors to auditory and vestibular dysfunction, are still poorly understood. The proposed
program is intended to generate auditory and vestibular scientists who can address these
problems, through training in basic neuroscience and the clinical aspects of hearing and
balance disorders. A group of 17 preceptors who are committed to auditory and vestibular
neuroscience research and to recruit and educate outstanding pre- and postdoctoral fellows will
comprise the training faculty. The research methodology employed by the preceptors ranges
from cellular and molecular to developmental to systems and cognition using a variety of model
systems, including humans, ensuring that trainees are exposed to the breadth and variety of
technical and conceptual approaches that define modern research in the field. In addition to
conducting research, trainees participate in a course covering basic and translational auditory
and vestibular neuroscience, attend monthly research seminars, and participate in a series of
professional development workshops that provide explicit training in such “survival skills” as
written and oral communication, obtaining jobs and grants, teaching, and managing a research
lab. All trainees must submit a fellowship application as part of the program, the writing of which
will be facilitated by periodic meetings with a local committee that provides advice and
guidance, as well as utilizing grant-writing workshops provided by the Office of Academic
Career Development. Training in the responsible scientific conduct and scientific rigor is an
integral part of professional development workshops, the core curriculum, and laboratory
training. A solid structure is in place to mentor the trainees and monitor their progress through
the program. The program is supported by a local steering committee and an external advisory
board.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10410064
- **Project number:** 2T32DC011499-11A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Karl Kandler
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $318,138
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2011-07-01 → 2027-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10410064

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10410064, Training in Auditory and Vestibular Neuroscience (2T32DC011499-11A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10410064. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*