Predoctoral Training in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Enter the text here that is the new abstract information for your application. This section must be no longer than 30 lines of text. This application seeks support for the Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at Boston University, which will train young scientists to become leaders in this transformational field. Ten predoctoral training slots per year are requested to fund five trainees each in years one and two. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in biological domain knowledge, advanced methodologies in the quantitative sciences (computing, mathematics, and statistics), an emphasis on reproducibility habits, and extensive opportunities for developing scientific communications skills. Program features include: 1) three lab rotations, including the Wet-Lab Experience, which introduces new trainees to high-throughput experimental methods, 2) the Challenge Project, for first-year team research on open-ended, data-intensive biological problems, with an emphasis on rigor and reproducibility, 3) Programming workshops for computational skills development, 4) a research-in-progress Student Seminar, 5) the annual International Workshop in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, undertaken jointly with partner programs in Japan and Germany, 6) the annual Student-Organized Symposium, 7) a teaching requirement, and 8) the annual Program Retreat. Thirty-six faculty mentors from 14 departments, each with a strong quantitative component to their research, offer a wide range of interdisciplinary expertise in experimental, mathematical and computational approaches. All use rigorous and reproducible methods in their research, take an active role in Program activities, are committed to active mentoring, and will have taken mentor training by the start of Program funding. Three co-PDs, who have worked together for over a decade, will provide leadership. Each brings training strengths and administrative experience. An Executive Committee, including five additional faculty, will oversee the Program, with direct input from the trainees through a Student Advisory Council. The Program offers extensive career development activities, multipronged avenues for student engagement, and a multidimensional scheme for ongoing evaluation.