# Training Program in Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host

> **NIH NIH T32** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER · 2020 · $323,928

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
We seek to establish an interdisciplinary training program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
(Fred Hutch) focused on Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host. The purpose of the program is
to train physician-scientists and post-doctoral PhD scientists to perform basic, translational and clinical
research in the biology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in high-risk
immunocompromised patients. Novel drugs and biological agents to treat autoimmune diseases, advances in
transplantation techniques and cancer treatments as well as increased survival of these patients have resulted
in a significant growth in the population of patients with immunosuppression in the United States. Infection
remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality for immunocompromised hosts, and with millions at risk or
affected by emerging and established pathogens, there is increasing demand for research training in this field.
The Infectious Disease Sciences Program of the Fred Hutch has partnered with the University of Washington
in training 50 Infectious Disease fellows and postdoctoral scientists in laboratory or translational research in the
area of Infectious Diseases in the immunocompromised host over the last 25 years. We have an excellent
track record of transitioning trainees to full career independence at the conclusion of their training with more
than 80% of our trainees now working in academia, government research or industry leadership positions.
There is a clear need to both expand our training program and solidify funding for trainees in this specialized
area of Infectious Diseases. We are requesting funding to support two qualified trainees (MDs and/or PhDs)
per year, for two years of training for each of the trainees. This funding will be utilized for training in one of 4
research tracks that represent the unique strengths of our immunocompromised host program and its mentors:
1) Epidemiology, Pathogen Dynamics, and Clinical Trials; 2) Immunology/Immunogenetics; 3) Microbiome and
Pathogenesis; and 4) Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology. These tracks provide training in unique
aspects of this field and will assure that trainees develop expertise in epidemiology, diagnosis, management
and host-pathogen interactions. All trainees will participate in a rigorous core curriculum consisting of courses,
lectures, retreats, research, and targeted career development activities; trainees also have the opportunity to
complete a Masters in Public Health degree at the University of Washington. The proposed training program
will help to address the national need for researchers that focus their clinical and/or laboratory investigation on
Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host, and will provide those trainees with the skills and
expertise to successfully transition into independent research careers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9925732
- **Project number:** 5T32AI118690-05
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** MICHAEL J BOECKH
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $323,928
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2021-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9925732

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9925732, Training Program in Infectious Diseases in the Immunocompromised Host (5T32AI118690-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9925732. Licensed CC0.

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