Grant: Dissemination Events - PA: Nutrition, Metabolism, Diabetes (INMD)

The Summer Obesity Research Boot Camp is a unique research training activity designed for students and new professionals. The objective of the Summer Obesity Research Boot Camp is to increase multidisciplinary understanding of obesity among future researchers and practitioners and to create a sense of community among young professionals interested in obesity. A total of 144 students have successfully graduated from the annual Obesity Boot Camp. The eighth installment is scheduled for July 2013. The curriculum covers all aspects of obesity ranging from epidemiology and public health to cell biology, energy, regulation, clinical management. The program has a strong practical component that allows participants to integrate the learnings into their research and/ or practice. Opportunities for formal and informal interactions between participants and senior faculty are a key factor in determining the success of the camp. This unique research training initiative has created international interest and is increasingly receiving applications from international trainees and new professionals. One of the most important outcomes of this activity is the establishment of a community of young researchers and practitioners that can respond to growing obesity epidemic in Canada and around the world. A formal social networking analysis of Boot Camp graduates indicates that the boot camp supports the advancement of careers and contributes to ongoing engagement in the obesity field.