Biotechnology Training Program

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

This proposal requests continued support for the NIGMS T32 Biotechnology Training Program at UW-Madison. Our plan addresses the evolving landscape of science and career development. Trainees will become highly educated, technically adept individuals with operational and professional skills capable of addressing the needs of society across all realms of academic, commercial, governmental, and non-profit enterprises. In this renewal application, the BTP embraces the need to train students ready to contribute to the Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) authorized by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. The 31 Tech Hubs announced in October 2023 will catalyze investment in technologies critical to economic growth, national security, and job creation. This investment will help communities across the country become centers of innovation critical to American competitiveness. The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub (WI) led by BioForward Wisconsin – a strong partner with the BTP – seeks to advance critical genomic technologies and accelerate domestic biotech manufacturing to support advances in personalized medicine. Our deep commitment to industrial internships supports this initiative by creating new awareness of these career options and prepares students for the multifaceted roles and diverse career paths available in the modern scientific workforce. Our plan for mentorship training at the individual and leadership levels is a vital component of this proposal, recognizing its importance for career development and innovation. We have assembled a BTP faculty that is advancing biotechnology at the forefront of scientific and societal challenges. The ~300 TGE students working with BTP faculty will acquire unique and specific expertise in areas such as emerging diseases, personalized medicine, metabolic engineering, food security, bioenergy, and technology development. Each year, BTP receives many applications from these TGE students interested in joining our program. This enthusiasm stems from our known track record with a highly successful internship program, promotion of excellence and innovation in the BTP Seminar, BTP Foundations of Biotechnology and BTP Responsible Conduct of Research courses, and our increasingly visible support of many other opportunities for internships, networking, and career development across all STEM disciplines. With this large pool of eligible students and increasing enthusiasm of both students and faculty for BTP training opportunities, we request that NIGMS provide support for 12 new trainees per year (24 total), which represents only a small fraction of the clearly interested, motivated, and highly qualified students seeking to participate in our training program each year.