EHA-ASH Translational Research Training in Hematology (TRTH)

Target Group

Translational Research Training in Hematology is geared toward 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. Trainees must be either an EHA or ASH member.

Overview

This unique program offers personalized instruction in all aspects of laboratory techniques, the skills required for translational research, and provides multiple opportunities for networking and mentoring.

Program 2010 TRTH Program March 2010, PDF file 366kb Application Procedure

TRTH will begin with an intensive week-long course held in March 2010 in southern Spain. During this course participants will be provided with an understanding of the tools necessary to be successful. Through didactic and breakout sessions, participants learn key regulatory, methodological, and organizational steps involved in refining their own translational research proposals.

Submission Submission is closed.

The second TRTH course takes place during the EHA annual congress, where the participants and faculty meet for dinner and brief lectures. The final class is held in conjunction with the ASH annual meeting. This session starts with featured presentations by the faculty and is followed by updates from the participants on the progress of their projects and careers since the conclusion of the spring course.

Spring Course

The cornerstone of the TRTH program is the spring course, which includes the following components:

• Principles of translational researchAn overview of methodologies for designing and executing clinical research studies with laboratory correlatives will be presented. Topics will include stem cell research and animal models, live cell and in vivo imaging, flow cytometry, cell therapy, cell and biobanking, design of clinical trials, principles of bioinformatics, molecular pathogenesis including genetics and epigenetics, pharmacogenomics, diagnostics and biomarkers, and identification of molecular targets.

• Ethics in hematologic translational researchDiscussions will focus on ethical and regulatory issues in Europe and North America related to translational research. Topics will include good clinical practice (GCP), quality care assurance, good manufacturing practice (GMP), relationships with the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, and intellectual property.

• Career retrospectives from leading hematologists with a broad experience in translational researchHematology pioneers will speak about their personal and career challenges and successes, and maintaining a work-life balance.

• Small-group working sessions for research project protocol refinementParticipants and faculty will work together in groups to review and improve individual research project proposals.

• Trainees’ presentation of their research proposalsTrainees will present their proposals at the beginning of the course; at the end, they will present revised proposals that incorporate the changes made throughout the week.

Educational Objectives

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Understand the principles of translational research design and execution

• Detail the ethical and regulatory issues of translational research

• Learn the fundamentals of competitive grant writing, abstract presentation, and manuscript preparation

• Further develop and improve the quality of their own research proposals through input from faculty and peers

• Learn strategies for pursuing and developing a successful career in hematology research

• Develop contacts with other participants to facilitate collaboration

• Meet leaders in translational and clinical research who can enhance networking opportunities for career development

Curriculum

Highlights of the curriculum will include:

• Instruction in a broad range of topics covering all aspects of laboratory techniques and skills required for translational research

• Instruction in designing and executing clinical trials with correlative science objectives, including principles of statistics and bioinformatics

• Discussion of approaches for forming and sustaining a multi-disciplinary translational research team;

• Recommendations for maximizing mentoring and networking

• Tips for securing research funding

• Practice in the skills necessary for presenting your work to diverse audiences

• Advice on preparing research results for publication

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a comprehensive translational research project proposal relevant to hematology. Participants’ projects should be directly focused on the use of human samples; in vitro and animal samples should be very close to translating to human subjects. The research will be evaluated on the importance of the hypothesis and specific aims, originality, the clarity and feasibility of the experimental plan, and 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.

There is no application or registration fee. All participants will receive an allowance to cover the cost of travel to the spring workshop and follow-up classes. By applying to the TRTH program, applicants agree that, if chosen for this award, they will participate in all three sessions and respond to follow-up surveys in the future.

Important Dates

1. Submissions and all relevant materials must be received by September 15, 2009.

All applications must be submitted electronically using the form found in the Awards section of the EHA Web site www.ehaweb.org. Please send completed applications to training@ehaweb.org. A study section will review the applications, and winners will be notified by December 1, 2009.

Questions?

Contact the EHA Office at training@ehaweb.org or +31 (0)70 3020 099