PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Research in cardiovascular science is rapidly progressing, as cardiovascular disease remains the largest cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, particularly as the population ages. At the same time, however, surgeon-scientists have increasing clinical responsibilities which they must meet to fulfill teaching and reimbursement requirements. All of this occurs in the backdrop of a highly competitive funding environment. Thus, there is a significant threat to maintaining surgeon-scientists to address the critical issues in vascular biology and cardiovascular science and provide a translational perspective. With this background, it is clear that proper training in research in vascular biology and cardiovascular science is critical for those surgeon scientists who will be the leaders in this field over the next decade(s), by providing them with the tools and knowledge to become independent scientists. We believe this training program has and will continue to give the next generation of vascular disease-focused surgeon-scientists an outstanding platform to build from and to launch an independent career in translational science. The current T32 proposal, “Translational Research Training in Cardiovascular Science”, provides research training in vascular clinical science and biology. The program provides for one physician (MD, MD/PhD, DO) trainee per year to choose from one of three distinct tracks: (1) basic science/translational science; (2) health services/outcomes; or (3) biomedical engineering. A great strength of the program is the cross fertilization between the three curricula with common elements of training for all pathways. Training takes place at various locations throughout campus including the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), the Biomedical Research laboratories, School of Engineering laboratories, and at the Michigan Medicine Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center. Faculty for the program come from multiple disciplines and include funded, committed investigators with strong mentoring track records that are in various disciplines including Vascular Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Cardiovascular Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular and Integrated Physiology, Pharmacology, and Radiology. The common thread in this program is the emphasis on the study of vascular biology and cardiovascular science with the ultimate goal to develop the next generation of physician-scientists in academic vascular biology and cardiovascular science.