Vasculata Conference 2023

Tulane University Of Louisiana, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

Summary The Vasculata Conference is an intensive boot camp that was first held in 2004. Under the auspices of the North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO), Vasculata has a long- standing history of being hosted at major academic medical centers with the goal of engaging the next generation of vascular biology investigators. The NAVBO Educational Committee unanimously selected Tulane University as the host site for the 2023 conference. Vascualta has grown as a conference with a total attendance of 60 attendees to over 140 at its peak pre- pandemic. Last year’s conference at Duke University attracted over 125 attendees. By introducing students and engaging trainees and early career faculty in heart, lung, and blood related science (HLBS) fields, this conference hopes to attract the next generation of independent investigators and physician scientists. Emphasis of the 2023 Vasculata Conference to be held at Tulane University School of Medicine at the Health Sciences Center campus and co-hosted by Xavier University of Louisiana is on translational science application of vascular biology and HLBS fields. Additionally, we recognize that without strong mentorship, the steps to becoming an independent investigator are even more difficult. To that end, we have made career development and mentorship a key component of the conference this year as well. The key goal of this meeting is to train the next generation of physician scientist and investigators, attract underrepresented minorities including women to HLBS research, and provide career development and mentoring education to allow growth of these early career researchers. In order to facilitate this goal, we propose the following objectives: 1. To facilitate exposure of underrepresented minorities and women to HLBS research. 2. To dispense basic and current knowledge in HLBS research. 3. To conduct workshops that introduces current and emerging methods in HLBS research. 4. To educate trainees regarding professional career paths in HLBS research. To facilitate these objectives, we request limited funds from NHLBI to offset some of the costs associated with hosting this conference at Tulane University /Xavier University of Louisiana. Accomplishing these objectives will increase representation of underrepresented minorities in HLBS research and will train and prepare next generation to the future of HLBS research. These goals are directly aligned with the training and research mission component of NHLBI.