PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Programs designed to train future generations of researchers who are able to think and work together in cross-disciplinary, team environments are central to the advancement of translational science in the United States. With the accelerating pace of discovery in biomedical science the need for translational scientists is greater than ever. The goal of this postdoctoral T32 application is to provide high-level, effective training to translational science researchers at the postdoctoral level who will build a community of clinical and translational scientists by leveraging the multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary strengths of a Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) based at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTH-H). Through the TL1 Training Core which preceded this application, which was awarded as part of the CCTS CTSA, we already have a successful record of training a diverse and productive group of translational scientists. Historically, postdoctoral trainees supported by the TL1 Training Core have been employed at two major institutions within the Texas Medical Center (TMC), UTH-H and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). However, a unique aspect of our CCTS is the inclusion of partner institutions spanning the state of Texas. In this T32 proposal, we will continue to train leaders in translation science while integrating trainees from all CCTS partner institutions. This will bring additional diversity to the T32 since these trainees will draw upon the broad racial, ethnic, gender, economic, and social backgrounds represented in Texas, which is thought to be a blueprint for the nation's future demographics. Furthermore, the training faculty and their mentees at the CCTS partner sites will bring awareness of unique research topics and collaborative opportunities to the forefront of the T32 trainee experience for those based in the TMC. The following aims will enable us to achieve our application goals: Aim 1. Attract and retain postdoctoral trainees with potential to develop into leaders in translational science; Aim 2. Leverage the strengths of the unique Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences ecosystem to train postdoctoral fellows in principles of translational science; Aim 3. Enhance diversity among postdoctoral trainees in translational science. We will achieve these aims by leveraging the world-class educational and research opportunities within the TMC to train translational scientists across the state. By drawing upon the trainee diversity that is available in our partner institutions that train postdoctoral fellows (Rice University, UT-RGV, UT-Tyler, and TT-EP), this postdoctoral training program is uniquely positioned to create the translational science leaders of the future. We anticipate this training will fill the need for creating a wide-ranging pool of translational scientists who are diverse, innovative, ...