Core G: Research Education Component

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ABSTRACT: RESEARCH EDUCATION COMPONENT (REC) The University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) has established the Kansas Dementia and Aging Research Training (KDART) career development pipeline program for students and junior investigators that enhance collaboration and expose trainees to ADRD research. KDART resources and programs provide trainees with skills and experiences needed to pursue a research career in aging and dementia. The long-term goal of the KDART is to provide research training and professional networks that support and propel aspiring researchers through each level of career development. The KDART leverages and extends ongoing educational and training opportunities at the University of Kansas Medical Center to increase the reach and impact of our training program. The KDART provides a comprehensive training environment, research experiences, support, and opportunities appropriate to career stage, rooted in core research competencies The KDART facilitates engagement with KU ADRC at each stage of career development, helping to match trainees with resources, collaborators, and educational opportunities. The immediate goal of the KDART is to rapidly address the need for clinical and translational researchers ready to push the field forward. During the prior 5 years, 10 undergraduate, 21 graduate, and 9 postdoctoral fellows were supported by the KDART environment; 62% were female and 24% identified with an underrepresented group. The KDART REC/RL5 funds have directly supported 4 highly productive fellows, including three clinicians. In the next cycle we will continue to offer this supportive pipeline environment. A national shortage of well-trained researchers and physician scientists with the ability to integrate clinical insights with advances in the basic sciences slows the development of clinical interventions. Over the next 5 years the KDART will play a critical role in supporting and expanding ADRD research training in the Southern Central Plains. Through the KDART, our ongoing programs position us to train the next generation of AD researchers. REC funds will support and extend the existing research training environment by establishing an administrative structure for the KDART, and by supporting research fellowships that can have near-term impact on our regional research environment.