# NC STATE MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM (MBTP)

> **NIH NIH T32** · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · 2021 · $86,014

## Abstract

Training in molecular biotechnology is essential for an expanding list of disciplines that have found
modern biology-based skills of critical importance in pursuing research goals in areas ranging
from biochemistry to chemical engineering to plant biology. NC State University uses a Molecular
Biotechnology Training Program (MBTP) to foster graduate level training program in modern
biology that will involve students from at least 4 colleges and 13 university departments/programs.
While the MBTP has excelled in training students to develop the technical skills of molecular
biology, the social aspects of biotechnology continue to present a challenge to realizing the
transformational opportunities of modern biology. In the shadow of historical controversies over
GM food, new technologies of CRISPR-based gene editing and gene drives have raised important
questions that reach well beyond our laboratories and into society. Our students need to be
prepared for these complexities, and they continue to demonstrate significant interest in gaining
communication and conceptual skills that will help them navigate the intersection of biotechnology
and society in their future careers. Our faculty trainers share these interests, but lack the
background to provide mentoring in this realm.
Faculty from the Genetic Engineering and Society (GES) Center (https://research.ncsu.edu/ges/),
an interdisciplinary initiative at NC State that focuses on education, research, and outreach, have
been addressing the intersection of biotechnology and society for over a decade. MBTP will
partner with GES faculty to build on the initial activities and facilitate a workshop series for the 40
active faculty mentors in our MBTP. GES faculty represent a balance between natural and social
scientists, thereby providing a holistic perspective on the biotechnology:society nexus and
responsible innovation. GES faculty pairs (1 natural scientist; 1 social scientist) will lead eight
workshops for MBTP trainers. Workshop themes will address intersections of biotechnology and
society, considering how mentors can understand and incorporate social, ethical, and policy
issues into their formal and informal interactions with MBTP trainees. The funding requested will
be used to develop a framework that can be sustained through the collaboration of the GES and
MBTP. Furthermore, we hope to create enthusiasm among the mentors for their trainees to
consider completing a minor in Genetic Engineering and Society. NC State now houses several
NIH-sponsored training programs and we envision this initiative to be adopted by those programs
in future years.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10393140
- **Project number:** 3T32GM133366-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Jason M. Haugh
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $86,014
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10393140

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10393140, NC STATE MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM (MBTP) (3T32GM133366-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10393140. Licensed CC0.

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