HomeCareers & TrainingEducational Programs Current Topics In Genomic Research 2009

About the 2009 Current Topics in Genomic Research Short Course

The 2009 Current Topics in Genomic Research Short Course is offered by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will be held August 2 - August 7, 2009.

This intensive, six-day course is designed to update biology instructors, as well as other instructors and researchers in related disciplines, on genomic science. The course focuses on the continuing effort to find the genetic basis of various diseases and disorders, and current topics on the ethical, legal and social implications of genomics.

The Short Course faculty consists of leading NIH genomic researchers.  The course features extended tours of working laboratories at the NIH, structured lectures, and highly interactive sessions.

All applications will be reviewed by the Short Course Selection Committee. Interested faculty members are encouraged to apply early as class size is limited.

Room and board are paid by NHGRI; participant schools pay travel costs for faculty participants, both to and from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Genome Scholars Program

Each successful Short Course applicant will be asked to select one promising student from the faculty member's institution to attend the NIH Genome Scholars Program (which is held concurrently). This program parallels the Short Course, and offers a close-up view of careers in genetic research while providing an enhanced mentoring experience. Genome Scholar applicants must have a minimum collegiate 3.0 GPA, be currently enrolled at the sponsor's school in a science-related major, and successfully complete a formal application before being enrolled as a Genome Scholar. Genome Scholars are limited to one per Short Course teacher. The Genome Scholar receives all benefits of the teacher's experience, plus each scholar's travel is paid by NHGRI.

Short Course Alumni: An Invitation to Apply

Since 2007, NHGRI has provided Short Course Alumni with an opportunity to attend the Short Course for a second time. These alumni will be chosen by the Short Course Selection Committee based upon their application, including short narrative (under 500 words) describing how the past participant used the Short Course experience to impact their school, program, or professional life. Successful alumni applicants will present a brief talk describing their efforts. The NHGRI will cover travel, lodging and per diem for these alumni.

Eligibility

This course is designed to update instructors who train students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in health related sciences and instructors from institutions that predominantly train students with disabilities and students from disadvantaged backgrounds including certain rural and inner-city environments.

Faculty at colleges and universities that train students predominantly from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis (See Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering) and institutions that train students from a social, cultural, or educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that have demonstrably and recently directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career will be considered. Faculty from institutions that train predominantly students with disabilities, which are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities are invited to apply as well.

Institutions that train largely students from disadvantaged backgrounds are defined as: Students who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds. These thresholds are based on family size; published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census; adjusted annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index; and adjusted by the Secretary for use in all health professions programs. The Secretary periodically publishes these income levels in Poverty Guidelines, Research, and Measurement.

How to Apply

The application period for the 2009 "Short Course" will begin December 1, 2008.

For more information

Carla Easter, Ph.D.
Science Education Specialist
Education and Community Involvement Branch
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive
Building 31, Room B1B55
Bethesda, MD 20892-2070

Phone: (301) 594-1364
Fax: (301) 480-3066
E-mail: easterc@mail.nih.gov

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Last Updated: August 28, 2008