Predoctoral Training in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

描述（由申请人提供）：这份新的申请寻求波士顿大学生物信息学/计算生物学博士前培训计划的支持。生物信息学课程旨在培养分子生命科学领域的顶尖研究人员，为现代医学的发展提供支持。这些进步主要基于人类基因组序列的框架，依赖于一系列产生大量数据的高通量技术，这些数据反过来反映了生物网络的复杂性。充分利用这些信息需要基于计算的跨学科努力。该计划将灌输新环境所需的技能，包括(a)对基本生物系统的理解，(b)计算方法和统计的设施，特别是网络分析，以及(c)与来自不同学科的同事互动和沟通的能力。课程包括计算方法和数据库开发的坚实基础，以及对相关生物系统的深入讨论。项目特色包括(1)生物信息学和系统生物学年度国际研讨会，这是一个在波士顿、京都/东京和柏林联合开展的计算生物学研究生培训项目；(2)挑战赛项目，为第一年的学员团队提供对大规模问题进行原创性研究的机会；(3)湿实验室体验，在新学员正式进入项目之前，在夏季向他们介绍最先进的实验方法；（四）年度学生座谈会；(5)三个9周的轮转。来自波士顿大学5个学院15个系的31名杰出的培训教师。研究领域包括基因组学、生物网络、生物信息学中的统计方法、进化基因组学、代谢组学、结构生物学和生物信息学。几位导师从事生物信息学的转化应用。强烈鼓励由计算和实验导师共同指导学员。学生在确定他们的研究项目方面起着很大的作用。目前有62名实习生正在攻读博士学位。每年需要6个博士预科培训名额，这将支持实习生第一年的居住。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This new application seeks support for the Predoctoral Training Program in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology at Boston University. The Bioinformatics Program aims to prepare top researchers for careers in the molecular life sciences who will support the advances now underway in modern medicine. Based largely on the framework of the human genome sequence, these advances depend upon a battery of high-throughput techniques that generate enormous quantities of data that in turn reflect the complexities of biological networks. Full exploitation of this information requires computation-based, interdisciplinary efforts. The Program will inculcate the skills required in this new environment, including (a) an understanding of basic biological systems, (b) facility with computational methods and statistics, especially for network analysis, and (c) the ability to interact and communicate with colleagues from diverse disciplines. The curriculum includes a strong foundation in computational methods and database development, along with in-depth discussions of relevant biological systems. Program features include (1) an annual International Workshop in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, a joint undertaking of computational biology graduate training programs in Boston, Kyoto/Tokyo, and Berlin; (2) the Challenge Project, which offers teams of first-year trainees the opportunity to do original research on large-scale problems; (3) the Wet-Lab Experience, which introduces new trainees to state-of-the-art experimental methods in the summer before they officially enter the program; (4) the annual Student-Organized Symposium; and (5) three 9-week rotations. A distinguished training faculty of 31 members is drawn from 15 departments in five schools and colleges at Boston University. Areas of research include genomics, biological networks, statistical methods in bioinformatics, evolutionary genomics, metabolomics, and structural biology and bioinformatics. Several mentors are engaged in translational application of bioinformatics. Co-advising of trainees, by computational and experimental mentors, is strongly encouraged. Students play a large role in defining their research projects. 62 trainees currently are working towards the Ph.D. Six Predoctoral training slots per year are requested, which will support trainees for the first year o residence.