Translational Research Training in Sleep and Circadian Science

This is a resubmission of the third competing continuation application of T32 HL082610, “Translational
Research Training in Sleep and Circadian Science,” currently in Month 50 of our third 5-year grant period. The
broad aim of this program is to train the next generation of clinical, basic, and population scientists in a
translational approach to sleep and circadian science. This T32 is the nidus for sleep and circadian research
training at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), attracting additional postdoctoral and graduate student trainees
from other Pitt programs. Our T32 has enjoyed considerable success: 72% of 40 appointed and affiliated
postdocs submitted F/K/CDA applications, 70% of these received awards, and 85% hold faculty or training
positions. Our 29 medical students have submitted 17 abstracts and published 14 peer-reviewed papers. For the
next 5-year period, we propose to deepen our focus on multidimensional sleep and circadian health (MSCH)—
specifically, on its health consequences and mechanisms, and on interventions to improve MSCH. Our
philosophy is that effective training in sleep and circadian science is multidisciplinary, translational, evidence-
based, milestone driven, and socially conscious. Guided by this philosophy, our training program includes: A
primary focus on mentored research with experienced, well-funded sleep medicine investigators; team
mentoring, and careful evaluation of mentor and mentee progress; didactic work including core competencies
in sleep and circadian research methods, critical appraisal of the literature, professional development,
responsible conduct of research, and rigor and reproducibility; measurable outcomes, including trainee
publications, presentations, and grant applications; individual and group instruction in the preparation of
career development and other award applications; individually-prescribed formal coursework; and access to
the rich training and research resources at Pitt, including the Clinical and Translational Science Institute
(CTSI). The training program will include 3 components: 1) Continuing the 2-3 year postdoctoral training
fellowship for nationally-recruited physician scientists and PhDs (4 trainees per year). 2) Continuing the short-
term research program for medical students (4 trainees per year). 3) Adding a new 2-3 year training
program for nationally-recruited predoctoral students in accredited Pitt graduate programs (e.g., psychology,
neuroscience, epidemiology, health and physical activity) (4 students over 5 years). This new predoctoral
program will formalize and provide a consistent support mechanism for the graduate student training we have
already been conducting. We have systematically evaluated our program with our trainees, University Advisory
Board, and External Advisory Board. Based on these evaluations, we propose to further strengthen the program
with targeted recruitment efforts to increase the number of trainees from groups that are underrepresented in
biomedical research; a focus on health disparities in research; enhanced mentor training; and instruction
organized around the characteristics of a translational scientist.

Grant Number: 5T32HL082610-19
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Daniel Buysse