The UAB Genomic Medicine Research and Implementation Training Program, led by Nita Limdi, Pharm.D., Ph.D., MSPH, professor in the Department of Neurology and associate dean for Genomic Medicine in the Heersink School of Medicine, has been renewed for an additional five years, extending support through 2031.
“To realize the promise of genomic medicine, we must translate genomic discoveries into better care for patients and communities,” Limdi said. “That requires a new generation of investigators who can bridge disciplines and move seamlessly from discovery to implementation. Our goal is to develop that workforce.”
Established in 2016, the program trains the next generation of researchers, data scientists, and clinician-scientists to advance genomic medicine—from discovery and predictive modeling to clinical implementation and assessment of health outcomes.
Each year, two postdoctoral scholars with M.D., Ph.D., or Pharm.D. degrees are selected for a two-year program of intensive training that combines mentored research, interdisciplinary training, clinical exposure, and individualized career development.
A key feature of the renewal is the establishment of three complementary pathways from discovery to clinical impact: Rare Disease Genomics, led by Greg Cooper, Ph.D., faculty investigator at HudsonAlpha; Population Genomics and Data Science, led by Marguerite Irvin, Ph.D., professor and associate dean in the UAB School of Public Health; and Translational Genomic Medicine, led by Limdi.
Together, these areas provide trainees with opportunities to engage across the genomic medicine continuum—from understanding the genomic basis of disease to using genomic and clinical data to predict risk and to implement genome-informed approaches in patient care.
Program scholars develop individualized training plans and work closely with a mentorship team consisting of a primary mentor, a program mentor, and an early-career peer mentor. In addition to conducting mentored research, trainees receive instruction in genetics, genomics, precision medicine, grant writing, ethics, rigor and reproducibility, and the responsible conduct of research. Scholars also complete clinical practicums and participate in seminars, journal clubs, and team science activities.
The program draws on UAB's extensive strengths in clinical, genomic, and data sciences, as well as faculty leadership in major collaborative initiatives including the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative, Electronic Medical Records and Genomics, Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine, Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke, the All of Us Research Program, the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, and others.
The program aims to equip scholars with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative experience needed to become independent investigators and leaders in genomic medicine research.
“We want our scholars to leave UAB not only as excellent genomic scientists, but as leaders who can bring people, data, technology, and clinical care together,” Limdi said. “By combining scientific depth with collaborative networks and implementation experience, we are preparing them to build independent careers and accelerate the delivery of genomic medicine to the patients and communities we serve.”
Faculty and mentors across UAB are encouraged to refer promising postdoctoral candidates interested in careers spanning genomic discovery, data science, precision medicine, and clinical implementation. More information is available here.