Behavioral-Biomedical Interface: Translational and Prevention Sciences Training

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This predoctoral research training program focuses on transdisciplinary training of future behavioral scientists organized around research concepts and methods at the interface of behavioral and biomedical domains. The program's cross-cutting theme emphasizes translational sciences, accentuates facets of prevention science, and engages both human and animal-model approaches to research. The predoctoral Behavioral-Biomedical Interface Program (BBIP) stems from NIGMS's “Interface of the Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences” initiative. BBIP engages trainees from three disciplinary units that are heavily involved in the behavioral sciences: epidemiology, exercise science, and psychology. The behavioral and biomedical sciences faculty mentors and BBIP trainees are working on health-related research problems linked for example to cancer, cardiovascular health, children's behavioral and social-emotional health, diabetes, HIV, obesity and physical activity in childhood and adulthood, stroke and brain injury, and substance abuse, as well as cross-content foci such as implementation science, reduction of health disparities, addressing healthcare access and equity, and . Providing the cross-disciplinary training are faculty mentors, laboratory hosts, program leaders, and course instructors who bring to bear a broad array of disciplines and research areas such as epidemiology and related public health areas, exercise science, genetics, geriatrics, environmental health sciences, neuroscience, prevention science, psychology, and quantitative methods/biostatistics. BBIP training includes coursework, integrated with doctoral degree curricula, in neuroscience, genetics, translational science, prevention science, responsible conduct of research, methods to enhance rigor and reproducibility, and advanced statistical and design methods. Trainees participate in two laboratory rotations exposing trainees to a variety of research methods and perspectives, and take a behavioral-biomedical interface seminar course. All trainees immerse themselves in mentored research throughout training. A Topic Sessions Series, taking place in BBIP's third and fourth years, addresses scientific, methodological, career and professional development, and scientific integrity topics. The program aims to foster a positive multi-disciplinary climate, encourage advanced quantitative/statistical skill development, and inspire dissertation research informed by behavioral-biomedical interface issues. This training program, which runs parallel to each trainee's discipline-specific doctoral degree program, is designed to build capacity with respect to behavioral scientists who are sufficiently exposed to the biomedical sciences to effectively contribute to multi-disciplinary teams engaged in research aimed at understanding and preventing significant health disorders and conditions, and promoting positive health outcomes.