# Enhancement training for the next generation of translational Ph.D. scientists

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2024 · $203,008

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Program in Translational Medicine (PiTM) was first
established in 2006 with funding support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and later supported by a
T32 from the National Institutes of Health. The UNC PiTM is a unique program that fills unmet needs among
biomedical graduate students at UNC. Unlike department- and disease-focused programs, the PiTM is cross-
department, -diseases, and -disciplines, providing our trainees with a rich exposure to diverse topics in
translational medicine. The primary objective of the PiTM is to train a cadre of PhD researchers with the
knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, appreciate, and address clinically-relevant biological problems
related to human disease from the perspective of basic science. To accomplish this goal, the PiTM trains basic
science PhD students to work in multidisciplinary teams composed of scientists, physician-scientists, and
clinicians, using state-of-the-art experimental approaches and patient-derived resources. The trainees have a
dual (scientist/clinical) mentored experience, a rigorous clinical exposure, and blended core coursework that
enhances training in translational medicine. Trainees also receive additional training to build communication and
leadership skills essential for future team science and community outreach endeavors. The PiTM structure
includes both funded and unfunded trainees (~10-15 matriculants each year), each with access to the same
rigorous training opportunities and experiences throughout their graduate tenure. This structure enables us to
maximize diversity within the PiTM and enhance the training experience. With this current application, we request
support for 6 1-year slots for outstanding PiTM trainees. The PiTM has over a decade of experience in best
practices training over 150 basic science PhD students, 67% female and 19% underrepresented, to perform
translational research. The proposed training leverages this experience to create a unique training model for
preparing the next generation of PhD researchers to effectively lead and contribute to multidisciplinary teams of
translational researchers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10911012
- **Project number:** 5T32GM149370-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Victoria Lin Bae-Jump
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $203,008
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-21 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10911012

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10911012, Enhancement training for the next generation of translational Ph.D. scientists (5T32GM149370-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10911012. Licensed CC0.

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