PRIDE - Functional and Translational Genomics of Blood Disorders

The PRIDE (Programs to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research) program is a research career advancing training opportunity funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Nine unique PRIDE Institutes were recently funded across the United States. These mentored research programs address the difficulties experienced by junior investigators in establishing independent research programs and climbing the academic ranks.

The PRIDE-Functional and Translational Genomics of Blood Disorders (PRIDE-FTG) program at Augusta University (PRIDE-FTG) aims to enhance basic and clinical/translational research skills using functional and translational genomics techniques.

The goal of this program is to train junior-level faculty to do research related to blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, white blood cell and platelet diseases.

Who

Junior faculty at accredited institutions with research programs related to blood disorders should apply.
The final selection of participants will be based on merit while considering the potential of candidates with disabilities or who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences.
Must be a United States Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Why

PRIDE-FTG's primary mission is to encourage scientists and research-oriented faculty from diverse backgrounds to develop their research skills. Participants will gain experience in advanced methods and experimental approaches in basic, translational, and clinical sciences relevant to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders.

When

NHLBI has funded the PRIDE-FTG program since 2010. During the new funding cycle (2024-2029), four cohorts of 10 mentees will attend each institute. The next PRIDE-FTG Summer Institute will be held in person at Augusta University from July 7 -18 2025.

What

NHLBI staff will conduct grant-writing workshops onsite to improve the mentees funding prospects. In addition, the interdisciplinary teaching faculty will deliver didactic lectures on genomic, molecular biology, and proteomic techniques. Participants will learn bench skills that can be utilized to perform functional and translational genomics approaches related to blood disorders.
Teaching practical approaches to design and conduct translational clinical and health services research.
Mentors/Mentees teams will be established based on common research interests to develop specific research projects and long-term collaborations.
Provide opportunity for Mentees to compete for Small Research Project pilot funding to support future extramural grant applications.
Teach scientific writing skills to improve success of peer-reviewed publications.
The PRIDE-FTG training program consists of: 1) Summer Institutes lasting 10-14 days for two consecutive summers, 2) a mid-year visit to the Mentor's institution, and 3) Annual Workshop in Bethesda, MD attended by mentees and mentors from the nine funded PRIDE programs and NIH staff to promote networking, share research ideas and build collaborations.