Molecular Biophysics Training Grant

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PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT The mission of the UCSF Graduate Program in Biophysics is to train diverse students to tackle some of the most challenging problems in biology and biomedicine at the interfaces with physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering, while equipping our graduates with the knowledge, tools, and skills to become leaders in academic science, biotechnology, and affiliated sectors. With the extraordinarily rapid advances in technologies and the new biological data they generate, there is an increasing need to understand the molecular basis for complex biological behavior. Concurrently, advances in the ability to computationally model molecular behavior are transforming biomedical research. To train leaders who can address the most critical questions in their fields through integration of these disciplines, our program is designed to (i) provide our students with both a foundation in quantitative, physical approaches and a sophisticated understanding of biology; (ii) bridge computational and experimental biophysical methods; (iii) create an environment where all students, including those from historically excluded groups, disadvantaged backgrounds, and persons with a disability, are supported and succeed; and (iv) promote key skills for success in a wide range of careers. From the start, “Onboarding” and community circles emphasize our values of collaboration, a supportive community, and ethically responsible rigorous research. Our well-tested and new project- and team-based based core courses lay the foundation to conceptualize, design, and execute innovative thesis projects. These courses also build a foundation in the communication, leadership, management, and team skills we emphasize throughout the graduate training. Current and new “minicourses” and “State of the Field” discussions facilitate deep exploration of research topics in small groups with faculty experts, allow the curriculum to stay current with latest scientific developments, and allow the students to identify important research questions. Students can participate in career preparation workshops and internships, and many take on leadership roles in outreach and teaching. Our alumni include leaders in both academia and industry, including several who have started successful companies, and they actively participate in career development through our Biophysics Alumni Speaker Forum and the new Biophysics Alumni Mentorship Program. Our goal to enhance diversity at all levels requires activities to ensure continued success, formalized through an actionable plan that includes required faculty training on mentorship across differences and increased guidance and support of trainees throughout the PhD, in addition to the Biophysics Outreach Initiative and improved admissions processes. The 54 Biophysics faculty participating in this training program have an outstanding record of interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and a strong commitment to mentorship and training. Chosen from a highly qualified pool of diverse Biophysics applicants from a range of quantitative disciplines, we plan to appoint 6 trainees for a duration of 2 years (in their 1st and 2nd year), for a total of 12 annual slots on this training grant.