# Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2021 · $247,443

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The past five years has seen extraordinary successes in immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer,
autoimmunity and inflammatory disorders of the skin and gut that underscore the importance of understanding
how the immune system works in health and disease. The goal of this competitive renewal application of a 30
year T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI) is to train the next generation of leading
researchers, critical thinkers and communicators in immunology. We aim to provide enhanced training
opportunities that will prepare trainees with the skills required to make fundamental and sustained contributions
to our understanding and application of immunology to human health. Highlights: (1) A trans-disciplinary group
of successful basic and clinical researchers in immunology; (2) Training approaches based on autonomy-
supportive educational methods that encourage self-directed learning; (3) An emphasis on collaborative
research, commitment to the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to foster collaboration and seed
novel discoveries; (4) A culture of critical thinking that underscores the importance of scientific rigor and
reproducibility at all levels of graduate education, scientific development and professional conduct; (5) An
individual and Institutional commitment to providing expertise and technology at the cutting-edge of
immunological concepts and experimentation; (6) An innovative Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training
Program (URBEST) that enables trainees to explore and develop critical skills for effective roles in diverse
scientific research careers by providing training in leadership and professionalism and (7) A strong emphasis
on scientific communication to peers and the broader public. Our trainees will graduate with broad
immunological knowledge and the necessary rigor and critical thinking skills to drive new discoveries combined
with the “soft skills” essential to apply and effectively communicate this knowledge in a variety of research
careers in academic institutions, government agencies and industry.
New initiatives: (1) 14 additional faculty mentors, providing new research expertise in basic and translational
immunology research; in particular, in the fields of cancer immunology, neuroimmunology and innate immunity;
(2) Student-initiated leadership and professional development opportunities incorporated at multiple levels; (3)
Enhanced networking opportunities for trainees including “breakfast brainstorming” sessions with invited
speakers and a student-led Regional Immunology Trainees Day to exchange ideas with other T32s in the
region; (4) Science communication training through unique programs established at the UR and opportunities
to build content and connect with the general public through the local Public Broadcasting affiliate, WXXI and
(5) External program evaluation by Dr Erin Dolan, U. Georgia Professor and experienced evaluator, tailored to
documenting the effectiveness...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10200626
- **Project number:** 5T32AI007285-34
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** JACQUES Robert
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $247,443
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-09-30 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10200626

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10200626, Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (5T32AI007285-34). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10200626. Licensed CC0.

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