By Linda Burns, MD
2009-03-01
Dr. Burns is Associate Professor of Medicine and Fellowship
Director of the Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation Program at
the University of Minnesota. She is also Treasurer of ASH.
In response to increasing demand from European researchers to focus
on translational research, ASH and the European Hematology Association
(EHA) have collaborated to create the Translational Research Training
in Hematology (TRTH) program. The program will provide promising
translational investigators an opportunity to undertake intensive
training in the pathogenesis, diagnostics, and experimental treatment
of hematologic disorders from some of the most recognized names in the
field.
Modeled after ASH’s successful Clinical Research Training Institute,
the inaugural TRTH will bring 20 early-stage scientists to southern
Europe on March 20-26, 2010. This rigorous one-week training course
will allow participants to concentrate on projects directly focused on
the use of human samples or involving in vitro and/or animal
studies close to translation to studies in human subjects. Leaders in
the areas of biostatistics and biomarkers, ethics, clinical studies,
and genetic and molecular biology will foster personalized mentoring.
Didactic sessions will help researchers prepare to conduct
hypothesis-driven research, design phase I and II clinical trials, use
animal models for translational research, and employ diagnostics and
biomarkers in translational research. Practical sessions will focus on
career development, featuring career retrospectives from hematology
pioneers in addition to expert opinions regarding opportunities in
translational research and panel discussions about grant preparation
and funding sources. After the initial one-week course, participants
will meet at the EHA annual congress and the ASH annual meeting to
review the progress of their projects.
Medical trainees, biomedical trainees, and pharmaceutical doctorate
trainees generally within 12 years of MD graduation or with less than
eight years of post-doctoral experience are encouraged to apply;
trainees must be an EHA or ASH member.
TRTH draws on the strength of the partnership between EHA and ASH.
Through this cross-cultural collaboration of both general hematologic
expertise and specific methodology, participants will receive the
tools, mentoring, and peer network to help position them as global
leaders in the field of translational research.
Specifics for Applying
Applicants should submit a comprehensive translational research
project relevant to hematology. The research will be evaluated on the
importance of the hypothesis and specific aims, originality, the
clarity and feasibility of the experimental plan, and available funding
for the project. Applicants should also submit their curriculum vitae,
letter of support from their mentor, and a career-development plan.
Proficiency in English is required.
Important Dates
Applications will be available on the ASH and EHA Web sites starting
June 15, 2009. Applications and all relevant materials must be received
by September 15, 2009. A study section will review the applications,
and winners will be notified by December 1, 2009.
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