# Training for Transformative Discovery in Psychiatry

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2022 · $367,003

## Abstract

This proposal requests support for continuation of T32 MH16804, “Training for Transformative Discovery in
Psychiatry” (Years 41-45), and an increase from 4 to 5 postdoctoral slots. T32 MH16804 trains MD, MD/PhD,
and PhD scientists to conduct translational neuroscience research utilizing recent advances in our
understanding of brain development and function with the goal of generating discoveries of novel mechanisms,
and ultimately treatments, for mental illness. T32 MH16804 has been highly successful in achieving these
goals as assessed by a number of metrics: 1) high rates of success for trainees in obtaining external funding,
faculty appointments, or other research-intensive positions; 2) high quality and impact of trainee publications;
3) effective recruitment of a highly qualified and diverse set of translational neuroscience trainees, including
from under-represented minority groups; 4) recruitment of MD/PhD trainees; 5) recruitment of female trainees.
T32 MH16804 is led by Robert A. Sweet, MD, a senior translational neuroscience investigator with a record of
outstanding mentorship and by Co-Director, Mary L. Phillips, MD, MD (Cantab), an acclaimed investigator and
mentor in neuroimaging. Trainees participate in a program of mentored research, seminars, and practicums
designed to train them in techniques and strategies such that their resulting research can be translated across
multiple levels of discovery. All trainees benefit from the development of individualized training plans and from
participation in our highly successful Career and Research Development seminar. During Years 41-45, we
have made several additions with the goal of further improving trainee outcomes. We have added new faculty
who use cutting edge translational neuroscience methods. We have developed a new seminar series to
provide trainees an introduction to next-generation analytic methods such as computational modeling,
integrative omics, and machine learning. We provide a new plan for instruction in methods for enhancing
reproducibility. We have expanded the role of the Training Committee in monitoring trainee progress,
increased the frequency of formal monitoring of trainee progress, and established an External Advisory
Committee. Finally, we have developed additional approaches to further enhance recruitment of trainees from
URM groups and those with disabilities. With a >7-fold excess of highly qualified, eligible applicants for
available slots, T32 MH16804 can support the requested expansion to 5 slots, increasing the positions
available to high priority groups (e.g. those from under-represented minorities or with MD/PhD training) that we
have been successful in recruiting. Increasing to five slots will also provide an optional 3rd year for trainees
who need longer to transition to independence. With these changes, T32 MH16804 will be poised to further
impact the field by preparing an expanded cohort of translational neuroscientists to make transformative
discoveri...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10445245
- **Project number:** 5T32MH016804-42
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT A SWEET
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $367,003
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-08-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10445245

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10445245, Training for Transformative Discovery in Psychiatry (5T32MH016804-42). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10445245. Licensed CC0.

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