The Program in Interdisciplinary Biology and Biomedical Science is a cross- departmental, college and institutional collaboration of students and faculty interested in interdisciplinary biological research. It developed from earlier antecedents (funded by IGERT and Biocomplexity grants) and is now formally recognized by the university. The impetus for the program was the recognition that progressive on fundamental problems in biology and biomedical science requires the input of new ideas, methodologies, and investigative strategies from other disciplines, in particular, the physical sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Yet, few scientists are trained or possess the necessary skills to conduct effective interdisciplinary work. By offering training opportunities to graduate students that are cross and interdisciplinary, PiBBs aims to produce scientists that think broadly, deeply and creatively across traditional disciplines. PiBBs is currently developing a curriculum that will lead to a concentration in Integrative Biology as a formal recognition of participation in the program. Students will receive disciplinary Ph.D.’s in affiliated departments, but will take a core set of additional classes and participate in other activities designed to produce a highly interactive community of interdisciplinary scholars.

There are two levels of involvement. Students can become “PiBBs affiliates” by simply enrolling and participating in PiBBs courses and activities. Affiliates are eligible for Student Enrichment Opportunity awards, able to propose and participate in Focus Groups, and other activities of PiBBs. They do not, however, receive stipend support, nor do they earn a concentration in Integrative Biology. Students interested in becoming fellows of the program apply (typically in their first year) and if accepted, will generally receive two years of stipend support. They are required to enroll and participate fully in the curriculum throughout their graduate career, and will earn a concentration in Integrative Biology. They are of course also eligible for Student Enrichment Opportunity awards, Focus Groups, and other funding. Fellows are also offered office space in PiBBs. Typically, PiBBs can support a total of ~12 students, drawn from the participating departments.