The Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program

The interdisciplinary Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison uses National Institute of General Medical Sciences funding to train 10 students in chemical biology who are earning doctoral degrees in Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry, Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology, Plant Pathology, and other fields.

Purpose

The CBI Training Program is one of the largest and oldest in the country. The program was initiated to provide outstanding graduate students with an opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of research opportunities and advances at the chemistry-biology interface. This vision was prescient.  Concurrent advances in chemistry and biology have rendered the chemistry-biology interface one of the most exciting and innovative research areas. Our current CBI program is designed to provide interdisciplinary education for the future leaders in this area.

Interdisciplinary Program

The goal of this training grant is to provide students with interdisciplinary training in synthetic and mechanistic aspects of research at the chemistry-biology interface. Two major training tracks are envisioned: one for students trained primarily in one branch of organic, analytical, or inorganic chemistry and one for students trained primarily in one branch of biochemistry, pharmacology, or molecular biology.

Dual Training Focus

The objectives of this program are:

• to improve the ability of researchers to conduct, understand, and communicate their research to both chemists and biologists;

• to facilitate the education of scientists who can identify emerging research areas and devise innovative solutions to problems by combining traditional chemical and biological approaches.

Training Program Components

Trainees will be admitted and receive their formal degrees through established departments recognized by the UW-Madison Graduate School. The major components of the training program are:

• Thesis research

• Courses: Chemical Biology, CBI seminar series, CBI colloquium, Ethics

• CBI industrial internships

Award Information

The program provides stipends for up to three years, funds to cover tuition and research expenses, and travel funds to attend conferences. The program also offers valuable first-hand experience in a specific field.

More Information

If the exciting opportunities associated with the fields of chemistry and biology interest you, the CBI Training Program will provide you with information about careers in chemistry and biology.