# Molecular Biophysics Training Grant

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2024 · $421,399

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The mission of the UCSF Graduate Program in Biophysics is to train diverse students to tackle some of the
most challenging problems in biology and biomedicine at the interfaces with physics, mathematics, chemistry,
and engineering, while equipping our graduates with the knowledge, tools, and skills to become leaders in
academic science, biotechnology, and affiliated sectors. With the extraordinarily rapid advances in
technologies and the new biological data they generate, there is an increasing need to understand the
molecular basis for complex biological behavior. Concurrently, advances in the ability to computationally model
molecular behavior are transforming biomedical research. To train leaders who can address the most critical
questions in their fields through integration of these disciplines, our program is designed to (i) provide our
students with both a foundation in quantitative, physical approaches and a sophisticated understanding of
biology; (ii) bridge computational and experimental biophysical methods; (iii) create an environment where all
students, including those from historically excluded groups, disadvantaged backgrounds, and persons with a
disability, are supported and succeed; and (iv) promote key skills for success in a wide range of careers. From
the start, “Onboarding” and community circles emphasize our values of collaboration, a supportive community,
and ethically responsible rigorous research. Our well-tested and new project- and team-based based core
courses lay the foundation to conceptualize, design, and execute innovative thesis projects. These courses
also build a foundation in the communication, leadership, management, and team skills we emphasize
throughout the graduate training. Current and new “minicourses” and “State of the Field” discussions facilitate
deep exploration of research topics in small groups with faculty experts, allow the curriculum to stay current
with latest scientific developments, and allow the students to identify important research questions. Students
can participate in career preparation workshops and internships, and many take on leadership roles in
outreach and teaching. Our alumni include leaders in both academia and industry, including several who have
started successful companies, and they actively participate in career development through our Biophysics
Alumni Speaker Forum and the new Biophysics Alumni Mentorship Program. Our goal to enhance diversity at
all levels requires activities to ensure continued success, formalized through an actionable plan that includes
required faculty training on mentorship across differences and increased guidance and support of trainees
throughout the PhD, in addition to the Biophysics Outreach Initiative and improved admissions processes. The
54 Biophysics faculty participating in this training program have an outstanding record of interdisciplinary and
collaborative research, and a strong commitment to mentorship and train...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10878755
- **Project number:** 5T32GM149436-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Aashish Manglik
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $421,399
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10878755

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10878755, Molecular Biophysics Training Grant (5T32GM149436-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10878755. Licensed CC0.

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