PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Duke Aging Center Postdoctoral Research Training Program (RTP) has a proud history of training highly skilled research scientists with strong backgrounds or interests in aging and rich potential for leadership in gerontological research. This proposal builds on the program’s legacy of success to continue and refine the RTP to produce the next generation of leaders in the field of aging research. The Duke RTP focuses on aging research from a biopsychosocial perspective, and is committed to cultivating deep understanding among the post-doctoral fellows of the biological processes, psychological factors, and social forces that influence health and well-being in late life. Consistent with this theme, the RTP faculty and their facilities enable outstanding research training in the following areas related to aging: Biomedical Sciences; Social Sciences, Health services Research and Biostatistics; and Behavioral and Neurosciences. Applicants to the Duke RTP identify a mentor or mentors within the institution and work collaboratively with them to create an NIH-format research proposal and submit it along with a curriculum vita, graduate transcripts, career and training plans, and letters of recommendation. Fellows are integrated into their mentors’ research programs and mentored through collaborative and independent research projects. Fellows attend a weekly interdisciplinary research seminar that follows a structured curriculum on the biopsychosocial aspects of aging and the interdisciplinary nature of aging research, as well as topics on professional development, research design and analysis, and research ethics. Other didactic offerings are tailored to the individual fellows’ needs based on their individual development plans (IDPs). Fellows typically complete two years in the RTP and go on to join university faculties or research organizations. The Duke RTP supports 12 months of 100% protected time for research and training related activities for up to 6 post-doctoral research fellows, and is requesting renewal of these funds to continue this work. The Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development is the primary research training facility for fellows supported by this grant. Associated faculty are located throughout the University and Medical Center.
