Northwest Comprehensive Research Training in Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Sciences (NCOR-KUH)

ABSTRACT FOR THE OVERALL U2C/TL1 APPLICATION Kidney, urologic and hematologic (KUH) diseases are significant public health issues affecting the U.S. population. Yet, the KUH scientific workforce is declining, stifling discovery and clinical innovation. We propose to revitalize KUH research training by creating an innovative training program in Seattle and the greater

Northwest region of the U.S: Northwest COmprehensive Research Training in Kidney, Urologic and Hematologic Sciences (NCOR-KUH) Program. The VISION of the Program is to train the next generation of KUH scientists who will drive scientific innovation to improve the lives of patients with KUH diseases. To realize

this vision, the MISSION of the Program is to create an integrated KUH scientific environment to furnish trainees with world-class hands-on research training, mentorship, education, and networking to foster their personal and professional development, through the implementation of four complementary Cores

(Administrative TL1, Professional Development and Network Cores). The NCOR-KUH Program will provide the ideal environment to accomplish this vison and mission. The Program will be led by the University of Washington (UW), the only medical education system for a 5-state region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho [WWAMI]) which comprises 27% of the U.S. land

mass. UW will partner with four affiliated, yet independently governed, institutions (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Puget Sound VA and Bloodworks Northwest) to form the NCOR-KUH Program. Each partnering institution conducts internationally recognized research; however shares faculty,

education, and research with the UW, which will facilitate implementation of an integrated training program. Collectively, all five participating institutions have a culture of high-impact biomedical research and training, evidenced by NIH funding (UW ranked #2 in the U.S), >$2 billion annual research dollars, more than 300 NIH

K, T and F-grant training programs, and a NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program (CTSA). The NCOR-KUH Program will leverage, integrate and expand existing strengths of KUH research and training across Seattle, which include: one existing NIDDK T32 (adult nephrology), two previous NIDDK T32s

(urology and pediatric nephrology), an existing NHLBI T32 (hematology), non-NIDDK R25s, a 5-state WWAMI CTSA and numerous KUH research institutes. The Program will unite 61 mentors from 5 institutions, 4 schools, 11 Departments, and 7 Divisions to train 12 pre and postdoctoral trainees in KUH science. The

leaders of the NCOR-KUH Program are a diverse team of scientists and physicians (52% women and 24% from underrepresented backgrounds) with proven success in KUH research, research training, mentorship, and education. As a sign of commitment, stakeholders have committed >$2.8 million in addition to NIH funds

to ensure success of the Program. We are confident that the NCOR-KUH Program will create a vibrant and integrated ecosystem to inspire the next generation of KUH scientists.