Project Summary In recent years, major advances in patient care in gastroenterology and hepatology have largely been driven by the application of translationally-oriented research employing animal models and human subjects. Increasingly, cross-pollination of basic and clinical research approaches is producing novel insights into gastrointestinal (GI) and liver biology as well as disease pathogenesis. The over-arching goal of this Training Grant (TG) is to prepare outstanding post-doctoral MD, MD/PhD and PhD researchers for successful and impactful careers in translational gastroenterology and hepatology. The Training Program (TP) emphasizes work at the interface between basic biology and translational medicine in order to fill important gaps in knowledge and develop effective therapeutics. The TP incorporates core goals of embracing diversity, equity and inclusivity at all stages: candidacy outreach, applicant and mentor selection, retention and oversight of trainees, and selected invited speakers. The TP is built upon the strengths of a highly experienced group of 20 NIH-supported trainee-focused mentors (8 from Pediatrics, 9 from Internal Medicine, and 3 from other Departments). The mentor pool consists of 10 of whom are primarily basic researchers, 4 principally clinical researchers, and 6 whose research portfolios are split evenly between basic and clinical research. Since many adult GI and liver diseases have origins in childhood that often continue through life, mentors from both adult and pediatric subspecialties are included. This TG application focuses efforts on enrolling 2 post-doctoral Trainees (MD, MD/PhD or PhD) each year. Trainees develop expertise and provide feedback as digestive health researchers under the oversight and guidance of the TP Executive Committee and mentors, integrating Internal and External Advisory Board input. For those who will benefit from advanced degrees, the TP is incorporates a structured degree program in Masters of Science in Clinical Research or a Certificate Program in Translational Research via the Laney Graduate School/Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance. Mentees benefit from a balanced Scholarship Oversight Committee with basic and translational expertise, coursework for the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training and a mentee-driven Individual Development Plan (IDP). Completion of individualized TP (coursework, mentored research experience, environmental exposure, advice and professional development) within a culture of talks and symposia for education and career development via the Enrichment Program of the TP, provide a rich and lasting springboard for mentees' careers.

Project Narrative The major diseases of pediatric and adult gastroenterology and hepatology suffer from a lack of safe and effective therapeutics. This need can best be addressed by developing a cadre of well-trained researchers devoted to discovering disease causes and developing new approaches to disease prevention or treatment. This T32 Training Grant prepares highly-motivated and talented post-doctoral MD, MD/PhD and PhD researchers with the multi-faceted tools in cutting edge research techniques, education, and practical career advice to address current and future unmet needs in gastroenterology and hepatology.