ABSTRACT Building on our strong training track-record, this T32 competitive renewal application, responding to PA-20- 142, requests funding for years 16-20 of the UNC Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (CIH) Research Training Program, to continue training promising pre- and postdoctoral young investigators in research methodology for future academic career success in CIH research. The goal of this T32 Research Fellowship is to cultivate talented, productive, well-trained, independent researchers at both the pre and post-doctoral level as CIH research leaders in investigating efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation of clinical integration of complementary therapies and integrative health-care approaches. Our program highlights an interdisciplinary array of research topics, methodologies and faculty mentors, providing rigorous training in research methods to facilitate exploration of mind-body techniques and CAM natural-product/nutritional therapies and their applications in health promotion, chronic pain, metabolic syndrome, and other high-impact conditions, with emphasis on enhancing access to CIH care in at-risk, underserved populations. The Fellowship provides a comprehensive curriculum featuring: 1) five post-doctoral positions with trainee participation in formal advanced training over two to three years involving research methods, mentoring and biostatistics, including course work in the UNC School of Public Health; 2) two predoctoral trainee positions (expanded from one position), with trainees selected from public health, nursing and other health-professions schools for their faculty-matched interest in CIH clinical research; 3) faculty-mentored, hands-on participation in one or more funded CIH-relevant research projects; 3) coursework in concepts and practices of a wide range of CAM therapies and models of integrative care; 4) interaction with fellows and colleagues from a wide variety of training backgrounds and interests, thus cultivating appreciation of varying CAM research perspectives; 5) strengthening skills in presentation, writing, and analysis of others’ work, amid strong collegial support; and 6) training in practical academic skills, including grant preparation, teaching methodology and dissemination. Key program elements are: a) targeted recruitment of inspired multidisciplinary postdoctoral trainees from both conventional and CAM backgrounds, committed to CIH research; c) recruitment of ethnically diverse, highly motivated pre-doctoral students, who will be closely matched with CIH research mentors; d) early and sustained interaction of trainees with research and career mentors; d) early, sustained focus on productivity and collegiality via a weekly 1.5 hour CIH Fellows Core Seminar, co-led by CIH Research Education Faculty (CREF) and senior post-doc trainees; e) CIH education via CAM/IM practitioner lecture series and exposure to CAM/IM clinical activities; f) skillful utilization of UNC’s h...