Integrated, Multidisciplinary Training in Cardiovascular Research

NIH RePORTER · NIH · T32 · $561,820 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

This T32 Program, titled “Integrated, Multidisciplinary Training In Cardiovascular Research”, is in its 45th year and is dedicated to the training of cardiovascular scientists with MD and/or PhD degrees. Previously focused on training in cellular and molecular biology, during the last 5-year renewal we expanded its scope to include translational and clinical research while strengthening its roots in rigorous fundamental research and adding new areas of investigation including multi-dimensional ‘omics, molecular imaging, computational biology, machine learning and artificial intelligence. During the next cycle of this award we will continue to train the next generation of scientists in scientific inquiry across a broad range of disciplines that enable transformative discovery in cardiovascular science. The graduates of the Program have been highly successful in multiple ways, which include publishing in high-profile journals, obtaining extramural funding, and securing outstanding independent faculty positions. The vast majority of past trainees (88%) continue to focus on research with academic appointments as faculty or via research and leadership positions in industry. 47% have been awarded career development grants (K-award or equivalent). We anticipate that this trend will continue as the current fellows complete their training and submit career development awards. New faculty were recruited to the award to enable trainees to benefit from dramatic recent advances in cardiovascular science. The 28 faculty members on the award are recognized leaders, rigorous and ethical scientists, as well as proven and outstanding mentors. Training is firmly centered on an intensive research experience under the supervision of skilled primary and secondary mentors, with unique opportunities for innovation at the interface between fields. In recognition of the increasingly complex scientific landscape our trainees must navigate, we have substantially strengthened the didactic curriculum of the program, which now includes new mandatory lectures in scientific methods, biostatistics, rigor and reproducibility, machine learning and data science. Support is provided for 3 trainees at any given time to obtain masters degrees in public health, bioinformatics or other fields, and all trainees receive mandatory training in the responsible conduct of research. The faculty and trainees are closely linked by a tradition of collaboration and a shared training mission. In addition to a dedicated T32 lecture curriculum, the CVRC/T32 seminar series, cardiology grand rounds, CVRC retreat, journal club and “Science Social” meetings bring trainees and faculty together on a regular basis. Trainee progress is closely monitored by the mentors and co-mentors, as well as the Program Directors. The Program Directors provide regular updates to an External Advisory Committee, and a concerted effort is made to recruit and retain underrepresented minority candidates. As demonstrated by the ...

Key facts

NIH application ID
10877077
Project number
5T32HL007208-47
Recipient
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Principal Investigator
Patrick Thomas Ellinor
Activity code
T32
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2024
Award amount
$561,820
Award type
5
Project period
1993-07-01 → 2028-06-30