NIH Training Grant in Computational Genomics Awarded to the Center for Bioinformatics
Will it be possible to make a predictive movie of a newborn infantıs appearance, behavior and interests based upon its DNA profile and assuming some average diet and environment? While we are still a long way from being able to do this today, it may possible in the future through advances in genomics.
The emerging field of genomics aims to accelerate the pace of biology through the application of advanced technologies for high-throughput data generation and analysis. Whereas traditional hypothesis driven research explores a single system at a time in depth, a genomics approach generally applies a single technology, such as DNA sequencing, in a massively parallel format across thousands of systems simultaneously. Such a radically different approach to discovery in biology requires the integration of novel technologies, instrumentation and laboratory automation with information management, analysis and visualization tools.
To train this new generation of biomedical researchers, faculty at the Center for Bioinformatics were recently awarded an NIH training grant in Computational Genomics. The aim of the program is to give students a broad foundation in the biological and quantitative sciences along with practical experience in computational and experimental genomics. The grant will be used to fund a steady state of 6 Ph.D. students and 2 career conversion postdocs (transitioning from biology to computational science).Interested students should follow link to "Education", or send email to pcbi@pcbi.upenn.edu
New Graduate Bioengineering Course - Practicing Science Responsibly
Susan Margulies, Ph.D. (Bioengineering, SEAS) and Jon Merz, M.D., Ph.D. (Center for Bioethics, SOM) created a new course on Practicing Science Responsibly, which will be offered to graduate students in SEAS, SAS, and SOM in spring 2000. The objective is to provide to investigators-in-training the fundamentals that are essential for government, industry and academia. Areas of focus will include ethics and morality in science and engineering; scientific integrity and misconduct; whistle-blowing; research on human and animal subjects; conflicts of interest, collaborative research, intellectual property, responsibilities of authorship; mentoring; grant writing, and the business of science. The students will emerge with an understanding of the historical and moral bases for the regulation of research by the scientific community and by society, and current practices and regulations related to experimental research data gathering and reporting.
For more information, contact Dr. Susan Margulies.
New Engineering Entrepreneurship Program in SEAS
In large innovative corporations and in small high-tech startups, increasing numbers of engineers and scientists are finding themselves involved in entrepreneurial ventures. To succeed in this environment, basic skills in business and entrepreneurship are becoming essential. Leading university engineering schools are now offering programs that teach these skills.
Beginning this fall, a new Engineering Entrepreneurship Program in SEAS will offer courses that explore the fundamentals of technology ventures, with particular emphasis on moving high-tech ideas to the market. The curricula will develop skills in such key areas as opportunity analysis, protecting intellectual property, business planning, raising capital, deal structuring, negotiation, leadership, growth and exit strategies. Case studies in bioengineering and computer science ventures will be included.
The Program will also cultivate relationships with venture capitalists and high-tech companies to foster start-up and licensing opportunities. Collaborating with the Wharton Schoolıs Entrepreneurial Programs, the Universityıs Center for Technology Transfer, and the University City Science Centerıs incubation facilities, the new Engineering Entrepreneurship Program will provide SEAS students and faculty access to the resources needed to pursue technology ventures.
For more information, please contact Dr. Tom Cassel , Director, Engineering Entrepreneurship Program.
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