Developing Tomorrow's Tobacco Scientists Today: The SRNT Trainee Network

The Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Trainee Network was formed to facilitate the development of the emerging generation of tobacco scientists. The advisory board of the Trainee Network conducted an online survey to collect data on trainees' areas of tobacco-related interest, demographics, and interest in potential events, as well as strategies with which SRNT could best address training-related needs. Survey respondents (N 130) were, on average, 34.7 years of age and mostly female (74%). Half were early-stage investigators (i.e., faculty), and 41% were in psychology programs. Most respondents reported that they spent at least half of their time in research activities (87%) and hoped to work in an academic setting (85%). The most frequently endorsed type of help requested was for SRNT to provide networking opportunities, and grant-writing was the most frequently endorsed webinar topic of interest. The Trainee Network has launched a listserv that includes 85 trainees and 16 prominent senior investigators and will create webinars and host mixer events at SRNT meetings. These initiatives aim to enhance the professional development of SRNT trainees and contribute to the fulfillment of SRNT's mission.