This new application seeks support for the Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology at Boston University. The Bioinformatics Program aims to prepare top researchers for careers in the molecular life sciences who will support the advances now underway in modern medicine. Based largely on the framework of the human genome sequence, these advances depend upon a battery of high-throughput techniques that generate enormous quantities of data that in turn reflect the complexities of biological networks. Full exploitation of this information requires computation-based, interdisciplinary efforts. The Program will inculcate the skills required in this new environment, including (a) an understanding of basic biological systems, (b) facility with computational methods and statistics, especially for network analysis, and (c) the ability to interact and communicate with colleagues from diverse disciplines. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in computational methods and database development, along with in-depth discussions of relevant biological systems. Program features include (1) an annual International Workshop in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, a joint undertaking of computational biology graduate training programs in Boston, Kyoto/Tokyo, and Berlin;(2) the Challenge Project, which offers teams of first-year trainees the opportunity to do original research on large-scale problems;(3) the Wet-Lab Experience, which introduces new trainees to state-of-the-art experimental methods in the summer before they officially enter the program;(4) the annual Student-Organized Symposium;and (5) three 9-week rotations. A distinguished training faculty of 31 members is drawn from 15 departments in five schools and colleges at Boston University. Areas of research include genomics, biological networks, statistical methods in bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics, metabolomics, and structural biology and bioinformatics. Several mentors are engaged in translational application of bioinformatics. Co-advising of trainees, by computational and experimental mentors, is strongly encouraged. Students play a large role in defining their research projects. 62 trainees currently are working towards the Ph.D. Six Predoctoral training slots per year are requested, which will support trainees for the first year o residence.

Public Health Relevance

Students completing this program have already played vital roles in the acquisition and analysis of data vital to the diagnosis and treatment of infections, cancer and hereditary diseases, as well as in designing and producing new drugs and therapies. Their understanding of biological networks will enable them to help medical researchers cope with complex diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurological dysfunctions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32GM100842-03
Application #
8686881
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZGM1)
Program Officer
Marcus, Stephen
Project Start
2012-07-01
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2014-07-01
Budget End
2015-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Graduate Schools
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215
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