The Research Career Development Core will promote the development of independent investigators in age related balance research who can lead and participate in collaborative multidisciplinary projects. The RCDC will support research training throughout the phases of maturation, with programs targeted toward investigators at the Novice, Pepper Scholar, and Transition to Independence stages. The RCDC also sponsors a Visiting Scholar Program. Pepper Scholars receive direct salary support. The other trainees are funded through existing training grants and career development awards. All trainees participate in two seminar series; one on age related balance disorders research and one on research skills. All participating trainees have research projects, mentoring teams and defined career goals. There is a rich pool of available mentors, laboratories and ongoing projects, and multiple opportunities for didactic training by established research training programs. Trainees are eligible for pilot grant support for research projects and for support from Research Resource Cores.
