Developing a Diverse Next Generation of Leaders in Respiratory Science

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This proposal is for a new training program that capitalizes on our major local strengths in respiratory physiology and pulmonary disease. Over time, the field of physiology and pathophysiology has evolved to solve new problems identified from clinical management of lung airway, interstitial and vascular diseases and to extend the new discoveries from genetic, genomic, cell and molecular studies to define pathogenic mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic interventions for lung diseases. We remain focused on the importance of integrated function and systems biology and thus we use the concepts of physiology as an integrator across respiratory science studied at multiple levels. With the success of our recent T32 and recruitment efforts, our respiratory science has broadened to include strength in genetics, (epi)genomics, molecular and cellular biology. While we view our science as cutting edge, we pride ourselves on the fact that our trainees do not just focus on a single molecule or gene but rather keep in mind the importance of integrated function and translational research. Our MPIs include diverse strengths in Pulmonary, Sleep, Genomics, Critical Care, Physiology and Respiratory Science. The MPIs have mutual respect, complementary expertise, shared vision for scientific progress and a strong commitment to developing a superb next generation of leaders with rich diversity. To improve the quality of mentoring, we also removed less effective mentors while adding more R01-funded preceptors and formalizing the levels of faculty participation based on success in research training, research productivity and current research funding. We have made both Sleep and Pediatrics as major scientific foci, addressing major national shortages in these areas. We utilize individual development plans, overseen by the MPIs, Preceptors and senior advisors, for all of our trainees to empower people with diverse backgrounds. We promote collaboration between MDs and PhDs, ensure that everyone has experience and competency in inter-, trans- and multi-disciplinary research, and ensure all of our trainees have a strong foundation in physiological approaches that provides a clinical context for research problems studied at any level. We promote cohesiveness, team spirit and a unique identity for our trainees via common activities involving all of our trainees and mentors/preceptors such as frequent scholarly meetings, career development sessions and quarterly retreats. We are committed to a training program that includes every phase of academic career development, from ‘cradle to grave’ including developing junior faculty into independent investigators, and even improving the mentoring skills in our senior faculty. We also remain committed to diversifying the next generation of respiratory scientists as demonstrated by our long- term track record and recent recruitments. The lack of a robust pipeline for multidisciplinary researchers who can apply modern integrative approaches to problems in respiratory science is a crisis which has been further amplified by the COVID pandemic, but it is a challenge that we are well-qualified and eager to address.