Predoctoral Training in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

描述(由申请人提供)：这份新的申请寻求对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。生物信息学计划旨在为分子生命科学领域的职业生涯培养顶尖研究人员，他们将支持现代医学目前正在进行的进步。这些进展主要基于人类基因组序列的框架，依赖于一系列高通量技术，这些技术产生的海量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。该方案将灌输在这一新环境中所需的技能，包括：(A)了解基本的生物系统；(B)掌握计算方法和统计学，特别是网络分析；(C)能够与不同学科的同事互动和交流。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。该计划的特色包括(1)生物信息学和系统生物学年度国际研讨会，这是在波士顿、京都/东京和柏林联合举办的计算生物学研究生培训计划；(2)挑战计划，为一年级的受训人员团队提供机会，对大规模问题进行原创性研究；(3)湿实验室体验，在新受训人员正式进入该计划之前的夏天，向他们介绍最先进的实验方法；(4)每年由学生组织的研讨会；以及(5)为期9周的三次轮换。一支由31名优秀培训人员组成的教职员工来自波士顿大学五所学校和学院的15个系。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、代谢组学以及结构生物学和生物信息学。有几位导师从事生物信息学的翻译应用。强烈鼓励由计算和实验导师为受训者提供共同建议。学生在定义他们的研究项目方面发挥着很大的作用。目前有62名学员正在攻读博士学位。要求每年提供6个博士前培训名额，这将为学员第一年的实习提供支持。

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.