# Predoctoral Training in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2021 · $80,210

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
This renewal application seeks continued support for the Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics and
Computational Biology at Boston University. Five predoctoral training slots per year are requested, to support
trainees for the first year of residence. The Bioinformatics Program aims to prepare top researchers for careers
in the molecular life sciences who will support the advances now underway in modern medicine. Based largely
on the framework of the human genome sequence, these advances depend upon a battery of high-throughput
techniques that generate enormous quantities of data that in turn reflect the complexities of biological
networks. Full exploitation of this information requires computation-based, interdisciplinary efforts. The
Program will inculcate the skills required in this new environment, including (a) an understanding of biological
systems, (b) facility with computational methods and statistics, especially for network analysis, and (c) the
ability to interact and communicate with colleagues from diverse disciplines. The curriculum includes a strong
didactic foundation in computational methods, statistics, biological networks, and database development, along
with in-depth examination of biological systems. Experiential learning is emphasized throughout the training
curriculum. Program features include (1) the annual International Workshop in Bioinformatics and Systems
Biology, a joint undertaking of computational biology graduate training programs in Boston, Kyoto/Tokyo, and
Berlin; (2) the Challenge Project, which offers teams of first-year trainees the opportunity to do original
research on large-scale problems; (3) the Wet-Lab Experience, which introduces new trainees to state-of-the-
art experimental methods in the summer before they officially enter the program; (4) the annual Student-
Organized Symposium; (5) three rotations; and (6) an annual Student Seminar at which trainees present their
research. Emphasis is placed throughout in developing skills in reproducible and rigorous research, and in
communicating science. Numerous mechanisms are employed to assist trainees in preparing for diverse
career paths. A distinguished training faculty of 28 members is drawn from 16 departments from the Charles
River and Medical campuses of Boston University. Areas of mentor research include genomics, proteomics,
epigenetics, neurobiology, biological networks, synthetic biology, systems biology, statistical methods in
bioinformatics, metabolomics, virology, immunology, the microbiome, and structural biology. Several mentors
are engaged in translational bioinformatics. Co-advising of trainees, by computational and experimental
mentors, is strongly encouraged. Students play a large role in defining their interdisciplinary research projects.
16 trainees who have been supported by this T32 grant currently are working towards the Ph.D.; they are a
subset of the 54 trainees who currently are members of the Bosto...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10405915
- **Project number:** 3T32GM100842-09S1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS D TULLIUS
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $80,210
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2012-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10405915

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10405915, Predoctoral Training in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (3T32GM100842-09S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10405915. Licensed CC0.

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