Statement of T32 research scope for Trainees and Trainers
RDSTP - Scope and Nature of Program: Research into animal and human reproductive biology has widespread implications for human health. This proposal seeks to continue our Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Training Program (RDSTP), which trains young scientists to pursue research in High Program Priority Topic Areas identified by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fertility and Infertility (FI) Branch and the Gynecologic Health and Disease (GHD) Branch. These target areas include the Maternal to Zygotic Transition, Pregnancy Loss, Implantation, Epigenetic Basis of Reproductive Diseases and Disorders, Ovarian Aging and Reproductive Decline, Role of Tissue/Cellular Microbiomes in Reproductive Health and Disease, Preservation of Fertility, Uterine Fibroids, and Endometriosis/Adenomyosis. Additionally, the focus of our training program also encompasses three of the five broad research themes that are highlighted in the NICHD Strategic Plan 2020, namely Understanding the Molecular, Cellular, and Structural Basis of Development, Promoting Gynecologic, Andrologic, and Reproductive Health, and Setting the Foundation for Healthy Pregnancies and Lifelong Wellness. To provide training related to these NICHD target areas, RDSTP trainees are selected from among four Areas of Specialization: 1) Gonad and Gamete Biology, 2) Early Embryo Development, 3) Reproductive Tract Biology and Gynecological Pathologies, and 4) Environmental Factors in Reproduction, with multiple Trainers offering research training in each area. Trainee projects should fit into one of the four Areas of Specialization