Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Training Program in Basic Diabetes Research (T32DK101357)

The burden of diabetes and its complications underscores the continued need to train the next generation of well-qualified scientists to develop new ideas and novel therapies for the treatment, prevention, and cure of diabetes.

The primary goal of the Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Training Program in Basic Diabetes Research is to prepare PhD basic scientists for careers in diabetes research. The training includes multidisciplinary and comprehensive learning experiences, as well as the mentorship and laboratory research experiences required to develop a deep understanding of the molecular aspects of diabetes. Upon completion of the first year, trainees will have the possibility to extend their fellowship to a second year based on performance and productivity.

The program builds on the unique expertise of preceptors with expertise in six major interest groups:

• Islet biology
• Autoimmune diabetes
• Adipocyte biology
• Hypothalamic regulation of metabolism
• Mechanisms of insulin resistance metabolic control (liver, adipocyte, and muscle groups)
• Diabetes complications

These groups represent a spectrum of approaches to studying the pathogenesis of type 1 and 2 diabetes, and each of these areas contains multiple investigators pursuing basic mechanisms with potential translational applicability. Consistent with the multidisciplinary nature of diabetes research, our preceptors are associated with a wide array of federally funded training grants.

“Our training program is a tremendous opportunity for postdoctoral fellows, whether they’re applying from within the University of Michigan or from outside the university, who are looking for a program that will significantly impact their early careers by providing a solid foundation in basic diabetes research and a network of world-renowned professionals in their area of specialty.” - Ormond MacDougald, PhD, Principal Investigator