# The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI)

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2024 · $261,176

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI) has been successfully training the next generation
of leading researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators in immunology for over 35 years. The astonishing
recent successes of immunology at the forefront of several health areas, from immunotherapy of cancer,
autoimmunity, aging and inflammatory disorders to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, as well as the rapid transformation
of the technological and methodological landscape, raise challenges and opportunities for the new generation of
immunologists. To adapt to this evolution,
the objectives of this PTPI competing renewal are to both preserve
and build upon its effective foundational principles with additional initiatives and innovations to better prepare
our trainees for future challenges in science and society
.
 Guided by a new logic model, the PTPI will continue to provide learners with in-depth immunological
knowledge, critical thinking skills to apply this knowledge, the ability to communicate efficiently at all levels and
a dynamic independent research experience that will lead to new discoveries by maintaining 7 foundational
principles: (1) Wide trans-disciplinary opportunities for training with basic and clinical researchers in a broad
range of immune-focused research; (2) Autonomy-supportive educational methods that encourage self-directed
learning; (3) Emphasis on collaborative research; (4) Emphasis on scientific rigor and reproducibility at all levels
of graduate education, scientific development and professional conduct; (5) Institutional commitment to cutting-
edge expertise/technology in immunological concepts and experiments; (6) An innovative Broadening
Experiences in Scientific Training Program URBEST (MyHub); (7) Scientific communication to peers and the
broader public.
 This foundational framework will be reinforced by additional innovative initiatives: (a) Consolidate and
expand immune-related research fields by diversifying our mentors over the whole institution that include 43
faculty in 22 different basic and clinical Departments and Centers; (b) Enrich our mentor pool by adding more
junior faculty mentors who will be coached by our current mentors; (c) Formalize and train scientific rigor and
reproducibility during monthly PTPI scientific meetings; (d) Personalized bioinformatic training that can be
expanded and specialized toward each trainee’s needs; (e) Strengthen trainees’ critical thinking and
understanding of the grant study session process; (f) Develop team-based communication products such as
videos for non-scientific audiences; (g) Alternate yearly in-house and regional T32 training days symposia; and
(h) Conduct external program evaluation by Dr. Geleana Alston a professional and experienced evaluator.
 We anticipate that this reinforced program will better prepare our students to enter the immunological
workforce and become leaders in contemporary immunology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10884422
- **Project number:** 5T32AI007285-37
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Scott Andrew Gerber
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $261,176
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-09-30 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10884422

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10884422, The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI) (5T32AI007285-37). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10884422. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*