The National Institutes of Health renewed the Biological Process Technology Institute’s five-year, $2.5 million grant Monday, making it possible for the University to train future scientific leaders in biotechnology and genomics, said microbiology professor David Sherman.
The grant will be used to continue the University’s doctoral training program in biotechnology relating to genomics, which includes a diverse field of disciplines ranging from bioethics to computer science.
The program has existed for the past 10 years, training the top 16 Ph.D. students in research and development of biotechnology. The goal is to bring together students to give them a chance to interact among a range of disciplines.
“We’re not just interested in training hard-core scientists; we want people to have diverse views,” Sherman said.
The students also take courses in genomics ethics, public policy and intellectual property. Many also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in industry internships.
— Patrick Hayes