Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
PROJECT SUMMARY This application from the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) / Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) describes a comprehensive training program in cellular and genetic therapies for both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. This rapidly expanding area of translational research remains deficient in comprehensive training schemes for individuals who wish to address basic and clinical translational aspects using these biological agents. A stimulating program of education and laboratory training from high quality and diverse mentors should continue to attract promising candidates, including under-represented minorities, to this emerging field and increase the likelihood that they will pursue careers as translational researchers. Translation of basic research discoveries to clinical practice has become increasingly complex, and advances in basic research can now only be efficiently implemented when teams of investigators collaborate to validate these novel strategies in the clinic. This type of translational research training requires a dedicated team of mentors with diverse but complementary skills. The proposed training exploits the outstanding biomedical curricula and experienced faculty within BCM and CAGT. A cadre of 27 faculty members with research interests that include vector design and targeting, stem cell biology, molecular and cellular genetics, immunotherapy, gene therapy and stem cell transplantation will be available to mentor graduate students and both MD and PhD postdoctoral fellows. Major strengths of the program are; (1) targeting of rigorous basic biomedical science and clinical research training toward a translational goal; (2) established and multilevel integration with the proven scientific excellence of cell biology and genetics research training programs at BCM; (3) involvement of mentors, including program director and co-directors, who are diverse in gender and race and have a wealth of successful experience in translational research and in training equally diverse young investigators (4) availability of exceptional resources such as the GMP laboratories and experienced regulatory staff for training. Frequent opportunities to present recent research findings at annual retreats sponsored by CAGT and academic departments within BCM. augment the formal course work and laboratory training. During the 18.5 years of funding, our approach has successfully trained 49 graduate students and 35 postdoctoral fellows in translational cell and gene therapy research. 95% of trainees who have completed training remain in careers in science within the field with 5% in private practice but engaged in clinical research. In the full 18.5 years that this T32 has been funded, 51% of trainees have been male, 49% female and 20 of the 84 trainees (24%) have been from underrepresented groups (13 Hispanic, 6 African American and 1 American Indian). All positions on this T32 have been filled at all times and we request an increase in support to enable us to meet the needs of trainees to provide a strong foundation for translational research careers in this burgeoning area.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
