Project Summary/Abstract Training physicians and Ph.D. scientists can deliver impactful translational-based research in lung diseases and bridge the knowledge gap in common respiratory ailments. This application aims to train a new generation of scientists at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) to increase basic and translational research in respiratory diseases. The BCM-Respiratory Research Training (RRT) T32 program will offer scientists training opportunities with a multidisciplinary approach using hypothesis-driven research in lung diseases. The BCM- RRT T32 program will provide training opportunities for three candidates each year from a local and national pool of highly qualified Ph.D., MD, and MD/Ph.D. postdoctoral trainees. A balanced alliance of MD and Ph.D. trainees will promote the interchange of diverse ideas, broadening, and delivering new discoveries in lung research. The BCM-RRT T32 program will emphasize the five foci of respiratory research training in respiratory diseases that are aligned with the NHLBI priorities, and unmet clinical needs including 1) Obstructive and Destructive Lung Diseases; 2) Fibrotic Lung Diseases; 3) Lung Infection; 4) Epidemiology of Lung Diseases; and 5) Genomic and Bioinformatics Research. The Faculty Mentors (7 MDs, 3 MD/Ph.D., and 7 PhDs) represent a multidisciplinary group of experienced investigators from various departments at BCM, with well-funded laboratories that broadly cover basic, and translational programs in lung diseases. Faculty Mentors have outstanding mentoring portfolios and excellent track records of participation in training program activities. Drs. Kheradmand and Rosas will serve as Program Co-Directors, are nationally and internationally recognized clinician-scientists, and have been successful in training scientists to pursue federally funded research in respiratory diseases. They are joined by a strong team of Steering Committee members (Drs. King, Hanania, Pereira, and Rodriguez) to coordinate the recruitment and selection of candidates, oversee the curriculum, and will be responsible for the evaluation of the mentoring team. Trainees will be guided to assemble individual research Mentoring Committees, prepare a written research proposal, and hold Advisory Committee reviews every six-month that include academic and career assessments. The BCM-RRT T32 program will prepare trainees for successful biomedical careers in respiratory research which will be facilitated through the Mentoring Committee’s hands-on guidance throughout the training period. These include ensuring that the trainees engage in impactful research and obtain local, extramural, and/or national funding, to advance their future careers. A thorough needs assessment for incoming BCM-RRT T32 program trainees will be conducted to clarify individual long-term plans, research agenda, needs for improving skills in writing, oral presentation, time management, and academic goals. Securing research grants will be a priority inc...