Contact PD/PI: Sedor, John NRSA-Training-001 (104) The TL1 Research Training Core (TL1 Core) of the Cleveland Kidney, Urology and Hematology Training Network (KUH-TN) will provide a mentored research experience to predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees that will prepare them for a research career as independently funded investigators, with a focus on the core mission areas of the NIDDK: nephrology, benign urology and benign hematology (KUH). The cornerstone of the training is an intensive mentored research experience with an accomplished basic or clinical science mentor(s) in one of the KUH focus areas. This training experience is enriched with additional Core and Elective training components organized through the Professional Development Core and implemented within the TL1 core. The additional Core Training components are designed to ensure that each trainee receives in-depth instruction in the pathophysiology of the trainee's primary KUH focus area (i.e. nephrology, benign urology or benign hematology) as well as an introduction to the fundamental tools and skills broadly used in interdisciplinary and team science (i.e. scientific writing, biostatistics, responsible conduct of research, leadership and laboratory management) and an immersive clinical experience for trainees, who will not have this exposure through other training mechanisms.. Trainees will also be introduced to innovative scientific methodologies and research strategies through the KUH-TN biweekly seminar series organized by the Professional Development Core. The Elective Training components provide a variety of supplemental training experiences, customized for each trainee, as determined by the trainee and their mentor(s). Upon entering the program each trainee is assigned a Mentoring Committee that will have formal meetings with the trainee every six months. The Mentoring Committee includes a primary mentor, a professional development mentor and an additional committee member with related scientific expertise. The role of the primary research mentor is to provide material support and guidance toward the successful completion of all aspects of the mentored research project through weekly and ad hoc meetings. The role of the Professional Development Mentor will be to meet with trainees quarterly to assess progress toward career development and professional goals. The role of the additional committee member to provide additional expertise and an objective assessment of the trainee's research and professional development progress at the bi-annual committee meetings. Structured evaluation of Trainee's progress through the program is monitored by a Program Evaluation Committee using and Individual Development Plan that captures the goals and expectations of each trainees at the beginning of the year of training. The Program evaluation Committee will also provide feedback to Training faculty mentoring trainees and tools to improve their mentoring style. Finally The TL1 Core includes a ...