# Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Training Program (VPETP)

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $258,237

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Viral infection and disease continue to be a major global health issue and thus it is critical that we support the
development of well-trained scientists who are poised to lead studies of viral spread and pathogenesis. The
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) and University of Washington (UW) have a rich history
of research in viral pathogenesis and over the past five years, we have also greatly expanded our expertise in
viral evolution research. Ten years ago, we created a Viral Pathogenesis Training Program to provide an
umbrella program for trainees pursuing research in viral pathogenesis in laboratories at Fred Hutch and UW.
In recognition of the importance of studying the evolution of viruses to better understand and anticipate viral
epidemics, we propose here to expand the focus of our program to include viral evolution and computational
studies of viruses – the Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Training Program (VPETP). Because predoctoral
students pursing studies of viral pathogenesis and evolution are dispersed among a variety of graduate
programs and laboratories at Fred Hutch and UW, this program is essential to create a cohesive and
interactive training program that brings together all of these students to provide enhanced opportunities beyond
those provided by their specific graduate program. The labs participating in this training program study a
diverse array of viral infections, including viruses that are major global threats such as DENV, Ebola, HIV,
Influenza, and Zika as well as oncogenic (HCV, KHSV, HPV, MCPyV) and opportunistic (HSV, CMV, AdV)
pathogens. The diversity in the viruses studied among participating labs will add breadth to the program, while
maintaining an overarching focus on virus-induced diseases among all the participating labs. Trainees for the
VPETP will be drawn from several existing graduate programs that have training in virology as one area of
emphasis. The inclusion of laboratories using computational approaches to the study of viruses will provide
opportunities for our students to learn computational skills that are critical for the next generation of scientists.
Features of this training program will include common didactic training as well as opportunities for
presentations and other interactions among students and faculty. This common focus will create an umbrella
for the students of this training grant that is distinct from existing departmental or program structures. The Viral
Pathogenesis and Evolution Training Grant is the only training grant in Seattle that is focused on virus research
in general or viral pathogenesis and evolution in particular.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9949618
- **Project number:** 5T32AI083203-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** JULIE M. OVERBAUGH
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $258,237
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2009-08-10 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9949618

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9949618, Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Training Program (VPETP) (5T32AI083203-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9949618. Licensed CC0.

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