The doctoral training program in genetics recently received a renewal of its funding from the National Institutes of Health for the 41st consecutive year. The training grants enable institutions to make National Research Service Awards to individuals selected by them for predoctoral and postdoctoral research training in specified shortage areas. In its 41st year, the genetics graduate program is one of the longest running Genetics training grants in the nation. The grant has been renewed for five years (~$1.4 million), and the renewal will fund six graduate student fellowships. In addition, OVPR will fund one, in-kind matching fellowship, the Graduate School and the department of genetics will together fund one additional slot for a student from an under-represented group through a GRO fellowship that is supplemented to the NIH level. "The renewal of this long-running training grant reflects positively on the high quality of genetics students and trainers," said David Hall, associate professor of genetics and training grant program director. "Currently, there are 44 training faculty on the grant, from 9 departments, with most (29) having appointments in the department of genetics. Our doctoral students go on to be successful in a variety of positions in academia and industry." A truly an amazing accomplishment that speaks to the commitment of faculty, staff and administrators to our doctoral students. The longevity of this program is having a broad impact in the field, far from UGA but radiating out from these sustained efforts in training and support. Appeared in The Franklin Chronicles
