The Translational Research Training in Hematology (TRTH) award gives young researchers the tools, mentoring, and access to resources beneficial for a successful career in hematology. The program focuses on translational research, e.g. pathogenesis, diagnostics, and experimental treatment of hematological disorders and includes specific scientific methodology adapted to the needs of the participants as well as more general subjects with relevance for planning and pursuing a project.

Developed jointly between ASH and the European Hematology Association (EHA), the TRTH program was designed in response to increasing demand from European and North American researchers to understand how to direct translational research in an increasingly global world.

The TRTH program is geared toward medical trainees, biomedical trainees, and pharmaceutical doctorate trainees generally within twelve years of MD graduation or with less than eight years of post-doctoral experience. Trainees must be either a European Hematology Association (EHA) or ASH member.

Download program brochure (PDF)

Overview

Modeled after ASH’s successful Clinical Research Training Institute, the TRTH program spans an entire year and includes three interactive courses. Beginning with the initial week-long spring course, participants focus intensively on developing a research project through didactic sessions, small working groups, and mentoring sessions. Two subsequent follow-up courses, one at the EHA annual congress in June 2010 and another in conjunction with the ASH annual meeting in December 2010, provide opportunities for further interaction and mentoring.

TRTH participants who have completed the program will:

Highlights of the curriculum 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 one’s work to diverse audiences
• Advice on preparing research results for publication

Program

The inaugural TRTH will bring 20 early-career scientists to Marbella, Spain, during the week of March 20-26, 2010. This rigorous one-week training course allows participants to concentrate on projects directly focused on the use of human samples or involving in vitro and/or animal studies close to translation to studies in human subjects. Leaders in the areas of biostatistics and biomarkers, genetic and molecular biology, ethics, and clinical studies serve as mentors.

The spring course includes the following components:

• Principles of translational research
  Presentation of an overview of methodologies for designing and executing clinical research studies with laboratory correlatives. Topics 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 research
  Discussions focusing on ethical and regulatory issues in Europe and North America related to translational research. Topics include good clinical practice, quality care assurance, good manufacturing practice, relationships with the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, and intellectual property.
  

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

• Small-group working sessions for research project protocol refinement
  Group sessions with participants and faculty to review and improve individual research project proposals.
  

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

Didactic sessions help researchers prepare to conduct hypothesis-driven research, design phase I and II clinical trials, use animal models, and employ diagnostics and biomarkers in translational research. Practical sessions focus on career development and feature career retrospectives from hematology pioneers. Additionally, panel discussions will feature expert opinions regarding opportunities in translational research as well as grant preparation and funding sources.

The second TRTH course takes place during the EHA annual congress, where the participants and faculty meet for dinner and brief lectures. The final session 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.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a comprehensive translational research project proposal relevant to hematology. 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 are no application or registration fees. All participants will receive an allowance to cover the cost of travel to the spring workshop and follow-up meetings. 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.

The application form will be available in the Awards section of the EHA Web site starting June 15, 2009. Please follow the application instructions available on the EHA site. A study section will review the applications, and winners will be notified by December 1, 2009.

Timeline

Questions?

Contact the EHA Office at training@ehaweb.org or +31 (0)10 4361760.

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