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(MA1) NICHD TRAINING AND RESEARCH INITIATIVES IN REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE. Parrott, Estella1, 1 Center for Population Research, Bethesda, Maryland ABSTRACT- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is that part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that supports and conducts basic, clinical, and epidemiological research on human reproduction to gain knowledge that will help alleviate human infertility, and improve the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the reproductive system. Several recent NICHD program announcements (PAs), requests for applications (RFAs), research initiatives, and ongoing clinical networks, such as the Reproductive Medicine Network that are designed to conduct multicenter clinical trials, will be presented. In addition, the NICHD sponsors research training to increase the cadre of trained professionals available to conduct research in areas of critical public health concern. For example, the 20 Women's Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) Career Development Centers provide career development support for junior faculty pursuing basic, translational, and/or clinical research. The Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award and the Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award are other examples of research training programs. The NIH has expanded its Loan Repayment Program and eligibility requirements will be summarized. Finally, the NIH Website (http://www.nih.gov) offers an incredible amount of information about the organization, institute reports and initiatives, training programs, and funding opportunities. KEY WORDS: reproductive science, research initiatives, research career development |
