Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine

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Project Summary/Abstract The University of Wisconsin’s (UW) Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine (CIBM) training program is proposing to continue training the next generation of scientists with deep and broad expertise in biomedical informatics and data science. We will continue our collaboration with the Marshfield Clinical Research Institute (MCRI) as a partner in the training grant, and we will enable our trainees to develop their expertise and establish the foundations of their careers within a vibrant ecosystem of biomedical and data science research at UW and MCRI. We will continue our focus on providing trainees with (1) a strong algorithmic and quantitative foundation from computer science and statistics, (2) a broad understanding of the key biomedical informatics and data science methods and challenges, and (3) a solid understanding of the biomedical contexts, spanning the spectrum from molecules to populations of patients, in which methods from informatics can be applied to gain insight and advance human health. Key components of our program include (1) a core set of courses in biomedical informatics and data science, (2) a broad set of supporting electives, (3) a weekly seminar series, (4) an annual retreat, (5) rigorous training in ethics and the responsible conduct of research, (6) rigorous training in methods for ensuring reproducibility, (7) an emphasis on recruiting a diverse pool of trainees, (8) trans-disciplinary co-mentorship, and (9) annual progress meetings with trainees. We have demonstrated strong success in recruiting and training graduate students. This is evidenced by the number of new faculty and other successful researchers we have produced, the development of new externally funded multi-disciplinary research projects, and our track record in underrepresented minority recruitment and placement. We are asking for 10 predoctoral positions for our standard tracks, 2 additional NIAID-supported predoctoral positions for research in biomedical informatics and data science addressing HIV infection, and 4 short-term trainee positions. The CIBM program is well positioned to serve the country with highly trained researchers who have significant expertise and practical experience in biomedical informatics and data science, the foundational disciplines of computer science and statistics, and the biomedical contexts in which these methods can be applied to advance biology and improve human health.