PROJECT SUMMARY The objective of this training program is for Vanderbilt-Vietnam Genetic Epidemiology Training Program (V2- GENE) will join efforts across Vanderbilt University (VU) and low-middle income country (LMIC) partners Hanoi Medical University (HMU), and Vietnam National Cancer institute (VNCI) to train scholars in the genetic epidemiology of NCDs. Non-communicable disease (NCD) is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for about 71% of the 56.9 million deaths that occurred worldwide in 2016 and 74% in 2022. With a population over 96 million, Vietnam ranks as the 14th most populous country in the world. Vietnam, a LMIC. The goal of the program is to develop a team of researchers and educators prepared with the necessary training and expertise to lead genetic epidemiology research of non-communicable diseases (NCD) across the lifecourse in Vietnam and to enhance engagement of US-based researchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We build upon existing partnerships across VU and HMU/NCI as well as the substantial expertise in genetics and genomics research in NCD and research training in LMICs from investigators in the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute. We will leverage Vanderbilt’s robust and existing infrastructure that provides training for faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD graduate students to lead this program. Integrating our training with these existing resources will ensure the success of the trainees supported through our program. Specifically, the V2-GENE program seeks to: 1. Train leaders and trainers in genetic epidemiology research. We will target three visiting faculty members from HMU and VNCI for one-year appointments who have existing and complimentary expertise in epidemiology and molecular genetics research. They will receive mentorship and grant writing training during their visit to VUMC. 2. Train scientists and future leaders in genetic epidemiology research. This will be accomplished through combined US- and Vietnam-based training activities (three predoctoral PhDs [three-year appointment], three MPH students [two- year appointment], and one postdoctoral fellow [two-year appointment] from Vietnam) that include didactic courses and mentored research activities. 3. Guide our training with activities that ensure a long-term impact. Our approach of training the trainers and building training infrastructure within Vietnam will provide sustainability for the program. The long-term follow-up of alumni will also foster collaborations and continued support beyond the duration of the training period. Direct outcomes of this training program will be expanded workforce and development of future leaders in genetic epidemiology research within Vietnam and further engagement of US researchers in global health research. This synergistic partnership across VU and Vietnam as part of the V2-GENE program will significantly enhance the research and training capacity for genetic ...