# Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM) Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $228,254

## Abstract

This is a new application for continued support of a unique, vibrant, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary pre-
doctoral training program entitled “Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM)” jointly run by the
Departments of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon
University. For the past 16 years, 38 trainees have gained a solid foundation that has led to independent careers
in academia (n=10), industry (n=24), and government (n=4) with an additional seven (7) trainees currently
enrolled. BiRM is an innovative training program with an in depth focus on multi-scale biomechanics as applied
to regenerative medicine for the development or repair of tissues (and organs?) whose primary physiological
function is mechanical. As the field of regenerative medicine matures, it is necessary to arm the next generation
engineering workforce with a deeper understanding of multi-scale biomechanics, the relationship between
biomechanics and growth and remodeling (mechanobiology), and the biological basis of repair and regeneration.
To accomplish these, we will also hone our trainees with skills in contemporary engineering technologies (e.g.,
artificial intelligence (AI), mechatronics, robotics, computation, process control, and manufacturing). BiRM
leverages the didactic and research experiences of distinct strengths and resources of two major universities
plus clinical experience of a World-class medical center all located adjacent to one another without administrative
roadblocks in conventional cross-institutional programs.
Trainee candidates are primarily from bioengineering, but we also welcome those from other disciplines. Another
unique aspect of BiRM is the significant clinical exposure for trainees (including a mandatory clinical mentor) to
aid in appreciation of the enormous potential, opportunity, and challenge of translating regenerative medicine
technologies. Similarly, challenges and opportunities in biomanufacturing and large-scale production of
regenerative medicine technologies will be imparted to the trainees with our unique partnership with the
Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute. Professional and career development are offered, including
innovation and entrepreneurship.
In the next five years, we aim to maintain 6 pre-doctoral fellowships per year. Our multi-institutional program will
provide a unique opportunity for our trainees to 1) develop key collaborative and multidisciplinary skills on multi-
scale biomechanics, 2) to prepare them to enter the future regenerative medicine workforce as the field moves
from conception to reality, and 3) to become innovators in upstream research and downstream production for
the next generation of technologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10843192
- **Project number:** 5T32EB034216-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** David Alan Vorp
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $228,254
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-06-01 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10843192

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10843192, Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM) Training Program (5T32EB034216-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10843192. Licensed CC0.

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