# Advanced Immunobiology Traning Program for Surgeons

> **NIH NIH T32** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $157,330

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Immunobiology has become increasingly relevant to surgical practice, influencing diverse disciplines including
oncology, inflammatory bowel disease, transplantation, trauma and critical care. Although the importance of
immune manipulation has become an evident adjunct to surgical practice, surgical training neither includes
advanced immunology nor prepares surgeon-scientists to participate in immune-related research. This training
grant application seeks funding for the formation of the Advanced Immunobiology Training Program (AITP) at
Duke University to create surgeon-scientists capable of participating in and leading surgically relevant areas of
immunobiological research. The training program will combine the substantial academic rigor of the Duke
University School of Medicine with the Duke Department of Surgery's longstanding and highly successful
commitment to training the next generation of surgical researchers. The program will be co-directed by an
academic surgeon and a basic sciences researcher, each with expertise in immunology. Supplemented by
mentors with expertise in basic, translational, and clinical research, this multidisciplinary team is uniquely
qualified to merge basic and applied immunobiology with evolving surgical practice. Program participants will
consist of postdoctoral trainees who have completed medical school and initiated surgical residency. At least
six individuals will be trained during the proposed funding period. Based on individual development plans, each
trainee will choose to participate in either a two- or three-year training program, with opportunities to complete
a Master of Health Sciences degree in Clinical Research, or pursue a PhD in Immunology. Trainees will select
a primary mentor from a highly experienced and diverse group of 16 basic, translational or clinical
immunobiological researchers. Guided by their mentor, they will follow a structured didactic curriculum that will
transition to a mentored research experience. A robust research infrastructure and substantial departmental
resources will support the students, facilitating their conduct and publication of original investigations with
complete protection from clinical service. Specific instruction in immunological investigation will be provided, as
will mentorship in scientific writing, publication, ethics and clinical time management.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9850511
- **Project number:** 5T32AI141342-02
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Allan D. Kirk
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $157,330
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-06-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9850511

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9850511, Advanced Immunobiology Traning Program for Surgeons (5T32AI141342-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9850511. Licensed CC0.

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