The University of Alabama will host an NIH-funded short course, titled “Strengthening Causal Inference in Behavioral Obesity Research,” at the University of Alabama at Birmingham July 24–28.

Identifying causal relations among variables is fundamental to science. Obesity is a major problem for which much progress in understanding, treatment, and prevention remains to be made. Understanding which social and behavioral factors cause variations in adiposity and which other factors cause variations is vital to producing, evaluating, and selecting intervention and prevention strategies.

The nine course modules are designed to provide rigorous exposure to the fundamental principles underlying an array of techniques. In addition, through guided discussion using real examples in obesity research, participants will gain experience in applying the principles and techniques.

Limited travel scholarships are available to young investigators. The deadline for applications is March 31. Apply online.