# Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $243,814

## Abstract

Computational approaches based on statistical, mathematical and machine-learning principles are now
permeating all areas of biological and biomedical research. Driving this explosion in biological computation are
new high-throughput techniques in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and chemoinformatics, and advances
in modern imaging. Each of these fields generates complex data sets that require computational approaches to
analyze and interpret. Also driving the use of computing in biomedical research is the increasing availability of
high-performance computing, including graphical processing units (GPUs), that make deep learning and other
artificial intelligence approaches computationally feasible. As a result, there is an increasing demand for
biomedical researchers with expertise in scientific computing and data analytics and trained in statistical and
mathematical modeling. To address this need, in 2007 the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill established
the Ph.D. Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB).
 The mission of the BCB curriculum is to train the next generation of scientists with the computational and
quantitative skills required to make important contributions to modern biological and biomedical research. To
accomplish this goal, not only requires students receive training in computational, mathematical and statistical
approaches, but also that they become sufficiently versed in biology and acquire skills required for
multidisciplinary team science. The BCB curriculum also strives to provide students with the professional skills
required to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical workforce. The specific objects of the BCB
curriculum are to: 1) provide broad knowledge of bioinformatics and computational biology approaches and the
computational, statistical and mathematical foundations on which they are built, 2) provide in depth training in a
chosen area of bioinformatics and computational biology, 3) train students to participate in collaborative and
interdisciplinary research, 4) train students to develop independent research programs and identify new research
directions, 5) develop skills in oral and written communication, 6) provide students with professional training
opportunities for careers outside of academics and 7) provide students with training in the Responsible Conduct
of Research, and in Rigor and Reproducibility.
 The proposed T32 training program will support 6 BCB students during their second year of graduate
training. In addition to providing didactic training and scientific research opportunities, the BCB curriculum
provides professional training opportunities by sponsoring events such as “lunch and learn” sessions with
representatives from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and “hackathons” with the National Center
for Biotechnology Information. The University of North Carolina and BCB curriculum are committed to providing
a supportive environment for students f...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10090190
- **Project number:** 1T32GM135123-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy C Elston
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $243,814
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10090190

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10090190, Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (1T32GM135123-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10090190. Licensed CC0.

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