# UAB Predoctoral Training Grant in Translational and Molecular Sciences

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2022 · $267,799

## Abstract

This is a new pre-doctoral training grant application in Translational and Molecular Sciences (TMS) at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Currently, too few PhD graduates are entering the workforce with
sufficient training in pathobiology of disease and translational experiences to effectively translate molecular
advances into clinical practice. This proposal addresses this need with our goal being to provide a training
environment that develops the necessary skills for the next generation of PhD biomedical scientists to
incorporate translational objectives into their research and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. Our
recent experiences in graduate education show increased demand from students for training in translational
research. A major challenge in effective training in translational sciences for pre-doctoral students is the need
to incorporate multiple disciplines and concepts ranging from understanding disease mechanisms,
understanding of how findings may be translated in academia or industry, to understanding regulatory oversight
procedures and rules. We propose a 2 year program (with 6 students per year) with students enrolling at the
beginning of their second year. An integrative curriculum is proposed that involves didactic elements (that
includes understanding disease mechanisms, drug discovery and development, translational research
administration), career and translational research enrichment activities (including enrollment in a Certificate
program in Translational and Molecular Sciences, academia and industry workshops, CTSA interactions and
team based exercises that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and requisite skills and knowledge for
commercializing discoveries) and meaningful clinical / patient interaction experiences, the latter of which will be
linked with the trainees’ research interests. We feel that providing students with training in translational research
early during a student’s matriculation will develop skills and enable them to incorporate translational thinking into
their research and prepare them for the diverse requirements for the future workforce. To achieve this, we have
assembled 60 training faculty with well-funded laboratories and a unique array of expertise and experience that
address fundamental scientific problems with a strong emphasis on translation and human disease. Several
disease areas that are perennial strengths of UAB are represented and will provide breadth for students in
diverse research disciplines. This proposal underscores our previous and ongoing commitment to pre-doctoral
education and our collective goal of providing an environment for students to learn and develop the skills they
will require to be successful in the biomedical research and other science related occupations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10417022
- **Project number:** 5T32GM135028-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** RAKESH P. PATEL
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $267,799
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10417022

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10417022, UAB Predoctoral Training Grant in Translational and Molecular Sciences (5T32GM135028-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10417022. Licensed CC0.

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