Monday, August 15, 2022
8/15/2022
Project Summary/Abstract Modern genome projects have dramatically increased the amount of genetic and associated biomedical data available to researchers. Turning the flood of data generated by rapidly evolving genomic technologies and other biomedical data sources into actionable knowledge is one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st Century. It will take a new generation of scientists trained in the biological, mathematical, and computational sciences to push forward our nation’s genomic agenda. It is also important to prepare a cohort of scientists with the tools and skills they need to thrive, not only in their research and analytical endeavors, but also in their careers and lives. Our objective is to continue to train a diverse cohort of students with the research and career skills needed to thrive in this modern, data-driven era of biomedical research. We anticipate that our trainees will advance biomedical knowledge and impact public health in ways that we can only dimly foresee. The GATP is much more than a funding mechanism for our trainees. It is a program with clear research and career training objectives and approaches. Few universities have the research infrastructure and human resources to mount a genomic training program of the scope possible at UCLA. The convergence of cutting edge genomic technologies, world-class computing resources, an outstanding basic and clinical research faculty, and a highly rated educational institution allows us to attract and train students of the highest caliber. Our proposed renewal of the Genomic Analysis Training Program will support ten predoctoral trainees per year from a variety of disciplines. Students will be supported for two years, contingent on sustained progress in the program and their research. Those who have completed the program will be encouraged to continue to join the training activities throughout their time at UCLA. The program course curriculum provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation in the biological, computational and statistical sciences. The core curriculum includes courses in molecular biology, human genetics, probability, statistics, bioinformatics, and biomedical ethics. To help students build successful research careers in the current era of rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary science, the program also emphasizes training and resources in critical communication, collaboration, and career development skills. Our diverse training faculty come from multiple UCLA departments and disciplines; all have strong records in both research, and mentoring students. In this renewal we have undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of the program, using feedback from our trainees, advances in scientific knowledge, and applicable education theory. Based on this evaluation, we have revised the program to improve the overall quality of the training experience. We believe this will allow us to continue to produce excellent trainees who leave the program with the knowledge and skills to pursue and support independent research careers, and train and mentor the next generation of scientists. Our trainees will make a substantial impact on biomedical research and the nation’s health goals for decades to come.
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