The Georgetown University/National Institutes of Health (GU-NIH) Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences is designed to allow graduate students to explore all areas of biomedical research while being exposed to the expertise of both research institutions. Ph.D. programs at GU currently participating in the partnership include: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Pharmacology, and Tumor Biology.
The first year of graduate training focuses on a core curriculum that enhances and expands the base scientific knowledge. Core courses include the following areas: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biostatistics, Cell Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Physiology & Biophysics, and Ethics. Each student begins their research training by performing three laboratory rotations at the NIH and Georgetown University, with at least one rotation to be performed at each institution. At the conclusion of the first year, each student must select a department to focus their didactic training and a laboratory for their dissertation research, which may be on either campus. Additional courses, specific to the degree program, may be required during the second year of training. Students choosing to perform dissertation research at the NIH are expected to continue to attend seminars, journal clubs etc. of the degree granting program at Georgetown.
The NIH has a long history of independent and creative training of scientists and physicians. Many NIH-trained scientists have received international recognition for their work. The NIH environment is rich in scientific exchange and provides opportunities for a broad biomedical research experience. Many graduate students have received their graduate training at the NIH through arrangements between the NIH and universities.
Georgetown University, founded in 1789, is located near many cultural and educational offerings of the entire metropolitan area. The GU program includes internationally regarded faculty drawn from several academic departments, each opening the opportunity to develop a collaborative project between an NIH Investigator and University Professor.
The total student body of GU totals 5,800 of which 550 are graduate students studying the sciences, including those enrolled in the Medical Center. Students selected to participate in the GU-NIH program are members of the larger group of biomedical graduate students. The NIH has ~4000 trainees at the post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-doctoral level; ~250 graduate students from more than 50 universities. While at NIH, graduate students enjoy services and activities sponsored by the Graduate Partnerships Program that build a strong graduate student community, similar to that of a university campus. NIH and GU supports students admitted into the NIH-GU Biomedical Program with a stipend, tuition, and medical insurance for up to five years.
Students wishing to be considered for admission into this partnership need to submit the GPP application and the University application by the specified deadline.
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