T32GM144272

Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Program - Project Summary/Abstract

The Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Graduate Program has trained more than 700 scientists since 1972. BCMB serves as the major training program for seven basic science departments at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and is one of the oldest multidisciplinary graduate programs in the country. There are 100 faculty members actively involved in research, teaching, and as mentors. The departments that participate in the program are Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology.

An average of 22 students matriculate each year and obtain their Ph.D. in an average of 5.7 years. The objectives of the BCMB program are: (1) to provide a broad and deep science curriculum; (2) to provide longitudinal training in rigorous, reproducible, and responsible experimental research; (3) to provide training in professional skills; (4) to provide activities for trainees to explore career options; and (5) to recruit and support a diverse student population in an inclusive environment.

These objectives will be met through a rigorous curriculum covering the first year of study that includes courses focused on macromolecules (energetics, structure, and function), molecular biology and genomics, genetics, organic mechanisms in biology, cell structure and dynamics, and pathways and regulation. There is a new strong emphasis on bioinformatics and computational skills throughout the coursework. There are multiple paper discussion courses extending from years 1 through 3 to support training in rigorous and reproducible research. There are discussion courses that focus on responsible conduct of research, in addition to department-based workshops as students advance in their thesis work. Oral and written presentation skills are developed throughout training through workshops targeting different specific tasks (oral exams, chalk talks, manuscript and proposal writing).

Professional development and career planning is an integral part of the program, occurring through workshops and courses throughout the training period, as well as diverse internship offerings. Most students publish multiple research papers, and the training concludes with the presentation of a public seminar and submission of the doctoral thesis. BCMB graduates hold leadership positions at all levels of academia, government, and industry. The success of our students is fostered by an extraordinary level of collaboration and interaction among the faculty and trainees. Special emphasis is placed on applying conceptual breakthroughs in basic science to problems relevant to human health and disease.

Here we request 25 training grant slots to appoint training grant eligible students during their first two years in the program.

The Johns Hopkins University

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES (NIGMS) SUPPORTS BASIC RESEARCH THAT INCREASES OUR UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR ADVANCES IN DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION. NIGMS ALSO SUPPORTS RESEARCH IN SPECIFIC CLINICAL AREAS THAT AFFECT MULTIPLE ORGAN SYSTEMS: ANESTHESIOLOGY AND PERI-OPERATIVE PAIN, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ?COMMON TO MULTIPLE DRUGS AND TREATMENTS, AND INJURY, CRITICAL ILLNESS, SEPSIS, AND WOUND HEALING.? NIGMS-FUNDED SCIENTISTS INVESTIGATE HOW LIVING SYSTEMS WORK AT A RANGE OF LEVELSFROM MOLECULES AND CELLS TO TISSUES AND ORGANSIN RESEARCH ORGANISMS, HUMANS, AND POPULATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, TO ENSURE THE VITALITY AND CONTINUED PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE, NIGMS PROVIDES LEADERSHIP IN SUPPORTING THE TRAINING OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS, ENHANCING THE DIVERSITY OF THE SCIENTIFIC WORKFORCE, AND DEVELOPING RESEARCH CAPACITY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

93.859 - Biomedical Research and Research Training

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) [HHS - NIH]

Baltimore, Maryland 21287 United States

Single Zip Code

National Institute of General Medical Sciences Institutional Predoctoral Research Training Grant (T32 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PAR-20-213)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 316% from $1,040,723 to $4,326,087.