Post-Doctoral Training in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Since 1995, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Waisman Center Postdoctoral Training Program in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) Research has provided inclusive and high-quality training to foster the next generation of leaders in IDD research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary and translational research on IDD, with a focus on socioemotional, cognitive, motor and communication domains. To date, 57 postdoctoral scholars have completed the program, of whom 40 obtained tenure-track faculty positions, and virtually all others are in research-intensive leadership roles with relevance to advancing IDD science. Our trainees have had tremendous success in authoring high-impact publications and securing NIH and other federally-funded grants in addition to foundations grants. The training program is integrated into the Waisman Center's broader array of interdisciplinary and translational training activities, including those offered through their NICHD-funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC). The 18 program faculty trainers represent eight different departments or schools on UW-Madison's campus. These faculty trainers are committed to promoting a diverse and high-quality training program and serve as the PI or Co-I on 42 active research grants from NIH and other federal agencies. The overarching goal of the program is to provide interdisciplinary biobehavioral and translational research training to foster future IDD research leaders. The program includes a core curriculum and individualized career development activities that provide trainees with a broad foundation of IDD knowledge (e.g., prevalence, etiology, presentation, and social determinants of health) and the skills for engaging in ethical science that is rigorous and replicable. The trainees are also equipped with professional development for publishing, obtaining research funding, managing research projects, and being in leadership positions. By working closely with program faculty trainers, the trainees learn research methods and analytic skills to launch their own independent lines of research. Trainees develop individual development plans and establish specific, measurable, achievable, and time-bound research and professional goals to focus their two years. The program has four learning objectives: 1) Develop a broad interdisciplinary foundation of knowledge on IDD (e.g., prevalence, etiology, presentation and social determinants of health); 2) Gain the needed expertise in an area of IDD research to advance science; 3) Understand key issues of research ethics and the policies and procedures that govern research practices; 4) Obtain the research and professional development skills needed for a research career in IDD including grant writing, manuscript writing, and research management. The program has been successful in creating a diverse training environment and is well-positioned to prepare the next generation of researchers with the skills for addressing the problems of critical importance to the IDD community.