# Predoctoral Training Program in Virology

> **NIH NIH T32** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $189,515

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
This application is a request for continuation of support for a pre-doctoral Training Program in Virology at Yale
University. The goal is to provide multidisciplinary research training to predoctoral students in the molecular
biology of viruses, virus-host interactions, and pathogenesis in human viral diseases. This is expected to
provide the intellectual and research foundations necessary for productive careers in virology-related
disciplines in academia, industry, and government. The program offers training in virtually all aspects of
modern virology including viral genetics, the molecular, cellular and structural biology of viruses, adaptive and
innate immune response to viruses, virus-host interactions at the cellular and organismal levels as well as
translational research towards the treatment of viral diseases. The program is co-directed by Drs. Priti Kumar
and Walther Mothes, and a 5 member Advisory Committee. The program has been strengthened by the
addition of new Faculty trainers and courses to cover emerging critical areas of virology. As a group, the 22
trainers have an outstanding record of research accomplishment and training and many are national or
international leaders in their fields. These trainers have primary appointments in 14 different Yale departments
and currently have 51 predoctoral virology trainees working in their labs.
 Students enter the program through the Combined Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
(BBS). The BBS unites nearly 375 faculty in basic biological and biomedical sciences at the Yale Medical
School, Science Hill on the main University Campus, and the newly developed West Campus. Admission is
granted to students with outstanding academic record with particular attention to research experience. The
Faculty makes extensive efforts to attract and retain trainees from diverse backgrounds, particularly under-
represented minority groups. The program is supported by strong institutional commitment to graduate training.
Predoctoral training leading to the Ph.D. degree involves formal course work and laboratory rotations in the
first year. This provides a solid and broad conceptual foundation and experimental training in microbiology,
immunology, cell biology, genetics, as well as other areas of biology. Students select a research advisor at the
end of the first year and defend a research proposal in a qualifying exam at the beginning of the second year.
A Thesis Committee monitors student progress throughout the thesis research process. Intensive training in
the methods, logic, and responsible conduct of research are supplemented with a wide array of opportunities
for teaching and scientific interactions. The median time to obtain the Ph.D. degree is 5.4 years. This
application requests funding to continue support for four predoctoral trainees in each year, with each trainees
supported by this grant for a maximum of two years.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10104425
- **Project number:** 5T32AI055403-17
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Priti Kumar
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $189,515
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2003-08-01 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10104425

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10104425, Predoctoral Training Program in Virology (5T32AI055403-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10104425. Licensed CC0.

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