# Network Core

> **NIH NIH U2C** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $213,982

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
Networking Core
The overarching goal of the UCSF LAUNCH (Learners to LeAders in benign Urology, benign Nephrology, and
non-Cancer Hematology) Program is to train, mentor, and support promising junior investigators from diverse
disciplines who are interested in pursuing careers focused on areas of investigation within the mission of the
NIDDK. In support of this goal, the Networking Core will develop systems and processes that support direct
peer communication and near-peer mentoring among all trainees who are supported by the TL1 Core. Our
networking reach will also include institutional trainees already supported by other funding mechanisms who
are working in adult or pediatric nephrology, urology, and hematology across our four institutions. We have
designed a comprehensive networking program that includes didactic and experiential learning as well as
extensive opportunities that will: (1) generate highly interactive opportunities for trainees to learn from peers
and near-peers within a close-knit community that is ready to provide support, advice, and peer mentorship; (2)
support and nurture strong relationships between trainees to maximize research productivity and trainee well-
being and satisfaction; and (3) facilitate access of trainees to vertical mentorship and key faculty who represent
a network of outstanding scientists, teachers, and mentors and who are collectively tackling problems related
to adult and pediatric diseases using basic, translation, and clinical research methodologies. In addition, the
Networking Core will actively engage high school and undergraduate institutions within Northern California to
broaden their exposure to nephrology, non-malignant urology, and non-malignant hematology and develop a
robust pipeline of individuals who may be interested in pursuing research within these disciplines. We will pay
particular attention to our outreach to individuals who are traditionally under-represented in the sciences. Our
Networking Core will be led by Dr. Marsha Treadwell, Professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology at
UCSF and Dr. Vivek Bhalla, Associate Professor in the Division of Nephrology at Stanford University, who both
have a wealth of experience in training researchers and in networking.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10918205
- **Project number:** 5U2CDK133488-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Marsha J Treadwell
- **Activity code:** U2C (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $213,982
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10918205

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10918205, Network Core (5U2CDK133488-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10918205. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*