The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI)

Project Summary/Abstract The T32 Predoctoral Training Program in Immunology (PTPI) has been successfully training the next generation of leading researchers, critical thinkers, and communicators in immunology for over 35 years. The astonishing recent successes of immunology at the forefront of several health areas, from immunotherapy of cancer, autoimmunity, aging and inflammatory disorders to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, as well as the rapid transformation of the technological and methodological landscape, raise challenges and opportunities for the new generation of immunologists. To adapt to this evolution, the objectives of this PTPI competing renewal are to both preserve and build upon its effective foundational principles with additional initiatives and innovations to better prepare our trainees for future challenges in science and society . Guided by a new logic model, the PTPI will continue to provide learners with in-depth immunological knowledge, critical thinking skills to apply this knowledge, the ability to communicate efficiently at all levels and a dynamic independent research experience that will lead to new discoveries by maintaining 7 foundational principles: (1) Wide trans-disciplinary opportunities for training with basic and clinical researchers in a broad range of immune-focused research; (2) Autonomy-supportive educational methods that encourage self-directed learning; (3) Emphasis on collaborative research; (4) Emphasis on scientific rigor and reproducibility at all levels of graduate education, scientific development and professional conduct; (5) Institutional commitment to cutting- edge expertise/technology in immunological concepts and experiments; (6) An innovative Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training Program URBEST (MyHub); (7) Scientific communication to peers and the broader public. This foundational framework will be reinforced by additional innovative initiatives: (a) Consolidate and expand immune-related research fields by diversifying our mentors over the whole institution that include 43 faculty in 22 different basic and clinical Departments and Centers; (b) Enrich our mentor pool by adding more junior faculty mentors who will be coached by our current mentors; (c) Formalize and train scientific rigor and reproducibility during monthly PTPI scientific meetings; (d) Personalized bioinformatic training that can be expanded and specialized toward each trainee’s needs; (e) Strengthen trainees’ critical thinking and understanding of the grant study session process; (f) Develop team-based communication products such as videos for non-scientific audiences; (g) Alternate yearly in-house and regional T32 training days symposia; and (h) Conduct external program evaluation by Dr. Geleana Alston a professional and experienced evaluator. We anticipate that this reinforced program will better prepare our students to enter the immunological workforce and become leaders in contemporary immunology.