Training platform in diabetes, obesity and cardiometabolic health

Canada is fortunate to have many highly productive research teams, networks and institutions, tackling a range of research gaps in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and cardiometabolic complications, in some cases alongside patient and community partners. These teams have come together to jointly create Canada's largest health research training platform in the area of obesity and diabetes to date. This platform will provide unique opportunities for trainees at all levels and early career investigators across the country to benefit from broad programs and the unique strengths of each regional entity. Our platform's overarching aims are: (1) to optimize access to individual training and mentoring trajectories, professional development, and experiential learning for a diverse population of trainees and early career investigators, leading to favorable research career outcomes in the areas of interest; and (2) to harness the strengths of regional research teams to create Canada's largest integrated, transdisciplinary training and mentoring asset in these fields. Obesity, diabetes and cardiometabolic conditions are interconnected diseases that are best understood through complementary approaches ranging from basic sciences to public health, from molecules to communities. Providing future researchers with a perspective broader than their specific field of expertise will improve health outcomes, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and improve the lived experience of those affected across their lifespan.