# Research Training in Neuroendocrinology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2020 · $232,427

## Abstract

Neuroendocrinology is integral to a number of major health-related issues such as obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and infertility. The primary goal of the Research Training in Neuroendocrinology
Program at the University of Virginia—which recently completed its 25th year—is to provide outstanding early
postdoctoral research training for tomorrow's independent scientists in the various fields of neuroendocrinology.
NIH support is requested for 4 postdoctoral training positions per year, and we aim to support an equal number
of PhD- and MD-trained fellows. We strongly believe that hands-on performance of in-depth research side-by-
side with an experienced mentor—all within a rich and nurturing environment—is the most important
component of our Program. We offer a broad repertoire of research opportunities, all related to a common
theme: interactions among endocrinology/metabolism and neurological systems. Our mentors include 12 PhDs,
11 MDs, and 3 MD-PhDs from 8 different Departments. Mentors have a wide variety of interests, but are highly
interactive and collaborative; and the average Program mentor is associated with 2.3 extramural grants
providing $1.71M in direct costs annually. We believe that the quality of mentorship is likely the most important
factor in the long-term success of trainees. Accordingly, we only include mentors who are fully dedicated to
postdoctoral training; and we have developed a robust, multilayered mentorship structure. Research training is
also enriched with a structured educational framework designed to impart the full complement of knowledge
and skills required for a successful research career. This is partly achieved by a Program Seminar Series, a
Combined Basic/Clinical Journal Club, a Research in Progress conference, a Didactic Lecture Series, Grant
Brewing Sessions, a Grant Review Program, and a Trainee Research Symposium. Other opportunities include
training in the responsible conduct of research, formal coursework, and career development sessions. The
administrative structure of the Program includes an Executive Steering Committee that makes training grant
appointments, formally evaluates each trainee's progress, and manages Program design and direction. To
ensure a high level of Program oversight, a Program Review Committee assesses the operation and
performance of the Program and makes formal recommendations regarding programmatic improvement. The
Research Training in Neuroendocrinology Program has a strong record of training scientists who have gone on
to establish successful careers in academic, medical, pharmaceutical, government, and biotechnology
environments. As a group, trainees have been highly successful in obtaining independent extramural funding
to support their training. In addition, 77% (17/22) of fellows supported by the Training Grant in Years 16-24
secured (and remain in) full-time faculty/research positions. This strong overall record underscores the rich
research training opportun...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9960548
- **Project number:** 5T32DK007646-29
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** EUGENE Joseph BARRETT
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $232,427
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1990-09-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9960548

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9960548, Research Training in Neuroendocrinology (5T32DK007646-29). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9960548. Licensed CC0.

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