Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM) Training Program

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This is a new application for continued support of a unique, vibrant, multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary pre- doctoral training program entitled “Biomechanics in Regenerative Medicine (BiRM)” jointly run by the Departments of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. For the past 16 years, 38 trainees have gained a solid foundation that has led to independent careers in academia (n=10), industry (n=24), and government (n=4) with an additional seven (7) trainees currently enrolled. BiRM is an innovative training program with an in depth focus on multi-scale biomechanics as applied to regenerative medicine for the development or repair of tissues (and organs?) whose primary physiological function is mechanical. As the field of regenerative medicine matures, it is necessary to arm the next generation engineering workforce with a deeper understanding of multi-scale biomechanics, the relationship between biomechanics and growth and remodeling (mechanobiology), and the biological basis of repair and regeneration. To accomplish these, we will also hone our trainees with skills in contemporary engineering technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI), mechatronics, robotics, computation, process control, and manufacturing). BiRM leverages the didactic and research experiences of distinct strengths and resources of two major universities plus clinical experience of a World-class medical center all located adjacent to one another without administrative roadblocks in conventional cross-institutional programs. Trainee candidates are primarily from bioengineering, but we also welcome those from other disciplines. Another unique aspect of BiRM is the significant clinical exposure for trainees (including a mandatory clinical mentor) to aid in appreciation of the enormous potential, opportunity, and challenge of translating regenerative medicine technologies. Similarly, challenges and opportunities in biomanufacturing and large-scale production of regenerative medicine technologies will be imparted to the trainees with our unique partnership with the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute. Professional and career development are offered, including innovation and entrepreneurship. In the next five years, we aim to maintain 6 pre-doctoral fellowships per year. Our multi-institutional program will provide a unique opportunity for our trainees to 1) develop key collaborative and multidisciplinary skills on multi- scale biomechanics, 2) to prepare them to enter the future regenerative medicine workforce as the field moves from conception to reality, and 3) to become innovators in upstream research and downstream production for the next generation of technologies.