The Behavioral Brain (B2) Research Training Program

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PROGRAM SUMMARY Future health advances depend on researchers who can work at the interface of behavioral and biomedical science. The predoctoral Behavioral Brain (B2) Research Training Program addresses this need by training next-generation researchers - drawn primarily from psychological sciences - who can skillfully incorporate neuroscience perspectives and methods to make transformative discoveries in health and disease mechanisms. In 2007, in response to now-expired PAR-06-503 with an integrative behavioral science focus, we developed a NIGMS-supported program that has served 50 trainees, exceeding benchmarks on time-to- degree, scholarly output, early career outcomes, progression into research faculty positions at R1 institutions, and attainment of NIH neurobehaviorally-targeted funding. In meeting its primary mission to prepare trainees for independent neurobehavioral research careers, the B2 Program also has met its secondary aims: equipping trainees with skills in the broader scientific workforce and increasing the diversity of the scientific pipeline. Institutionally, the B2 Program has fostered training environments favoring collaboration and co- mentorship, research rotations, and attention to diversity. This new PAR-17-341 application builds on this foundation by providing trainees with: (1) individualized co-mentorship committees that guide trainees through the program and support their development as interdisciplinary researchers; (2) deep training in behavioral science through psychological coursework and a mentored independent research program; (3) neuroscience cross-training, through coursework and experiential research, focusing on systems-level neuroscience involving humans, non-human primates, and rodents; (4) development of flexible and rigorous skills needed for success in the biomedical workforce, through didactic and experiential training in scientific rigor, responsible research conduct, and broad professional skills; (5) training in team science and cultural awareness, through exposure to holistic mentorship and engagement in diversity, equity, and inclusion learning. Annually, 5 predoctoral trainees will be recruited from 2 psychology and 2 neuroscience PhD programs across the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University (adjacently located) using proactive and personalized strategies, in conjunction with holistic recruitment of matriculants into the affiliated PhD programs. Trainees receive 2 years of support to pursue enriched training through the B2 Program. B2 Program faculty mentors (N=46) have appointments in one or more of the affiliated PhD programs, with diversity in personal identity (39% from underrepresented groups), academic rank, and research topic/methodology. An annual program evaluation process includes trainee self-reports of progress, evidence-based assessment of mentor competency and the training climate, program evaluation focus groups, and alumni outcome tracking. Fostering diversity in behavioral/biomedical research has been, and will continue to be, a program cornerstone; in the last 14 years, 55% of B2 Program trainees have been from groups under-represented in science.