Training Program in Organogenesis

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ABSTRACT The rapid advancement and technical changes in biomedical science requires that we identify strategies to help the next generation of scientists navigate a complex landscape in which fluent communication and collaboration between scientific disciplines is essential for success. The Center for Organogenesis (CFO) was formed in 1995 to unite basic, applied and clinical scientists with a common goal: to understand the basic mechanisms that underlie organ and tissue formation, and to use this knowledge to create long-lasting artificial organs, improve stem cell therapies and effective organ transplantation systems that will correct acquired and inherited human disease. The Training Program in Organogenesis was initiated 19 years ago as an integral part of the educational mission of the CFO. Its main goals are to provide intellectual and technical training in the field of organogenesis, and to promote interdisciplinary engagement by exposing trainees to research and research mentors that cross boundaries between clinical, basic and applied sciences. These goals are accomplished by encouraging a two-mentor structure for research training and the involvement of trainees in several training activities that include participation in a formal course in Organogenesis, an Organogenesis Seminar series, bimonthly training meetings, bi- annual International Symposia, and a regular CrossTalk series, in which we pair a clinician and basic scientist to jointly present on a common organ or disease/disorder. All trainees additionally engage in BioArtography, a community outreach program where art, science and public education are combined. Each trainee is offered the option of pairing with a clinical co- mentor who agrees to facilitate their exposure to clinical science, clinical management of patients and their health challenges in the trainee's research area. This competitive renewal requests continued funding for 5 predoctoral and 3 postdoctoral training slots (one specifically targeted to an MD fellow). Trainees come primarily from the laboratories of the 38 listed mentors of the Training Program. Participating faculty come from 15 departments and 4 schools across the University of Michigan (Medical School, College of Engineering, College of Literature, Sciences & Arts and Dental School). The Program is monitored by an internal Advisory Board and Operating Committee, and also by two External Advisors (Drs. Bradley Yoder, PhD, University of Alabama-Birmingham, and Richard Behringer, PhD, MD Anderson) to ensure its continued responsiveness to an evolving research environment.