Training Program in Brain Tumor Biology

ABSTRACT There is a critical need for researchers dedicated to making improvements in the molecular understanding and treatment of brain tumors to overcome the challenge of therapeutic resistance and better treat these devastating diseases. To accomplish this goal, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has developed an innovative Training Program in Brain Tumor Biology to educate highly motivated PhD and MD/PhD students in the fields of fundamental and translational brain tumor research. The requested funding is for 3 pre-doctoral trainees per year in years 1-5 with an additional appointment to be funded by UAB in years 3-5 that will prioritize increasing diversity in neuro-oncology. Each trainee would be appointed for one year with the possibility of an additional year of funding depending on performance. Applicants will be selected at the end of the 2nd year of PhD training with support provided in the 3rd and/or 4th year of graduate school. With the UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences and the Medical Scientist Training Program as partners, this brain tumor training program builds on the interdisciplinary basic and translational investigative efforts supported by the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and its Neuro-Oncology Program and the UAB Comprehensive Neuroscience Center. Indeed, 21 faculty members in 11 different departments serve as mentors on this training program. Our faculty are dedicated to training in brain tumor cell signaling, metabolism, drug development, therapeutic resistance, imaging, immunotherapies and clinical experience. Faculty are highly collaborative as documented by co-authored publications, co-funded grants, and co-mentorship of trainees. This committed training environment provides an ideal setting for the implementation of interdisciplinary, translational brain tumor research that synergizes scientific efforts. The Training Program in Brain Tumor Biology provides exceptional educational opportunities in basic and translational research. The coursework encompasses the advanced Special Topics in Brain Tumor Biology Course with world renowned guest speakers as well as the Glial Pathobiology: Special Focus on Brain Tumors Journal Club course. Enrichment activities include the Bioinformatics Experience, Diagnosis and Clinical Management Experience, Imaging Experience, Radiotherapy Experience, Statistics Experience, a monthly Brain Tumor Research in Progress conference, a monthly Glial Biology Works in Progress conference, and the biennial Brain Tumor Training Program Research Retreat and Southeastern Brain Tumor Research Meeting. Collectively, the coursework, research, and enrichment activities will ensure the development of the next generation of basic/translational researchers addressing compelling problems related to brain tumors.