University of Utah and University of Colorado Anschutz Awarded Institutional Network Award
University of Utah and University of Colorado Anschutz Awarded Institutional Network Award
Oct 02, 2025
The University of Utah is proud to announce a new collaborative training initiative with the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Together, the institutions have been awarded a U2C/TL1 Institutional Network Award to foster training and mentorship in kidney, urologic, and benign hematology research.
This award establishes ASCEND: Mountain States Advancement in Research, Supportive Networking, and Career Development, a program designed to advance the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers. ASCEND provides two integrated components:
- TL1 Training Grant: Funding and structured training opportunities for pre- and postdoctoral trainees.
- U2C Career Development Network: Comprehensive networking, mentorship, and professional development resources available to all kidney, urology, and hematology trainees across both institutions.
The award brings together leading experts from the University of Utah and the University of Colorado. University of Utah leaders include Anna Beaudin, PhD, as the MPI, Alfred Cheung, MD, and Aylin Rodan, MD, PhD, FASN, in Nephrology, Adrienne Dorrance, BS, PhD, in Oncology, and Jim Hotaling, MD, from Urology. Their collective expertise will help guide and support trainees through interdisciplinary, team-based research and career advancement opportunities.
“We’re proud that the University of Utah is now part of a national group of institutions supported by the NIDDK U2C/TL1 grant. This brings new resources to help train future health researchers right here in Utah. It’s a big step forward for our state and the Intermountain West, giving our communities better access to cutting-edge science and care.”
Anna Beaudin, PhD, added, “We’re honored and excited to partner with UC Denver on this new training award, which will not only support a new cohort of doctoral and postdoctoral trainees in nephrology, urology, and hematology, but also offer unique career development and networking opportunities that will connect, equip and empower trainees across both institutions.”
Trainees and mentors interested in learning more about the program or applying are encouraged to contact Dr. Aylin Rodan (aylin.rodan@hsc.utah.edu) or Dr. Anna Beaudin (anna.beaudin@hsc.utah.edu).