Bioinformatics Industrial Research Rotation Program

Program Overview

The CIHR/MSFHR Bioinformatics Training Program designed and taught by leading researchers and institutions in Vancouver , offers innovative, trans-disciplinary training to graduate students in health-related research. Established in 2002, the program operates as a partnership among Simon Fraser University , the University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer Agency.

Computational methods have transformed biological research. The ability to computationally predict biological structures through advanced techniques in computer modeling and the development of new algorithms are important tools necessary for advancing health research globally.   Our students, who have had exposure to original research and the opportunity to complete significant practical work on real bioinformatics problems, can enhance and diversify an organization's platform through fostering innovation.

Program Specifics

Research placements are 4 months in duration (May to Aug term- preferred, but can be Jan- April term)

•  All students will have completed required graduate-level courses and one academic research

    rotation

•  Research projects must have the potential to lead to or supplement a graduate student's MSc or

   PhD thesis

•  Participating companies are expected to provide remuneration equal to student's stipend (initially,

   this may be augmented to a maximum of $4,000 by the program and its affiliates)

•  Each project requires a sponsoring academic supervisor and an organization sponsor who will work

   directly with the student

•  The student, sponsoring academic and organizational sponsor will meet at the initiation of the

    research project and agree on a research plan

•  The student will remain affiliated with the university for the duration of the research project and

    will not be an employee of the organization.

The Bioinformatics Training Program Coordinator will administer the research rotations and will include:

• Promoting research opportunities to potential partner organizations

• Engaging bioinformatics groups at universities and institutions

• Approving rotation proposals, with program mentor input

• Collecting funds from the sponsoring organization

• Providing funds to students and their sponsoring academic supervisor

• Monitoring the success of the program

Expectations of the Organization and Sponsor  

• Organizations are expected to outline a research proposal two months before the start of the student placement (the program coordinator will send out a “call for proposals”)

• Organizations will develop a research plan in conjunction with the sponsoring academic supervisor and student

• The company sponsor will be available for support throughout the project to provide support to students in their dealings within the organization, and ensure that the student is not asked to do non-research related activities

Expectations of Sponsoring Academic Supervisor  

• Ongoing direction and support to be provided to the student

• Attendance at monthly on-site status meetings (when practical - teleconferencing should be an alternative if company resides outside the Lower Mainland)

• Allows research findings to be presented at scientific meetings, in scholarly publications and theses, in a timely manner

Expectations of Students  

• Develops a research plan in conjunction with the sponsoring academic supervisor and company sponsor

• Provides a final summary report

• Provides the academic supervisor with updates on the status of their project and a copy of their final report

• Spends a   minimum of 25% at the University in order to access and receive direction on the best bioinformatics techniques

• Attends monthly status meeting with the sponsoring academic supervisor and the company sponsor

• Follows the company's standard policies and procedures while working at the organization

• Respects confidentiality of participating company information

• Presents their research findings in their thesis, scientific meetings and scholarly publications, in a timely manner

Rotation Benefits

The industrial research rotation program provides an excellent opportunity to use bioinformatics techniques to address important applied issues and problems facing participating organizations and to help develop highly qualified researchers.   Specific benefits to the sponsoring organizations include:

• Access to highly skilled researchers (both graduate students and University faculty)

• Opportunity for bioinformatics techniques to address critical issues facing their organizations

• Developing valuable relationships with both the University and bioinformatics community to provide future collaboration opportunities

• Increased profile and awareness of the organization through novel research and publications

Specific benefits to the students include:

• Exposure to industrially relevant research which might not otherwise be possible

• Development of valuable professional relationships with non-academic organizations

• Potential future job opportunities with the participating company

Application Requirements  

• Participating organizations must submit their research proposal two months before start of each rotation (May-Aug or Sept-Dec) – electronic submissions only

• Identify: organization sponsor and contact information

• Describe:   background information, research to be performed, methods or techniques to be applied, expected interaction with academic supervisor, timeline

Adjudication

All research proposals will be judged for:

•  Scientific excellence

•  Potential for ongoing research by student

•  Potential for expanded collaboration with industry sponsor

All applicants will be paired with an academic supervisor who will help define research goals.

Final Report

• Submitted by the student

• No more than 3 pages in length

• Summarize research goals, research techniques used, and summary of research outcomes

• Identify benefits for the partner organization

• Identify future research planned

• Report due within two weeks of completing rotation

Contact Information

Bioinformatics Training Program Coordinator

Genome Sciences Centre, BCCA

100-570 West 7 th Avenue

Vancouver , British Columbia   V5Z 4S6

604-707-5803 (tel)

604-876-3561 (fax)

bioinformaticsprogram@bcgsc.ca

Industrial Rotations udertaken by Program Students

• Michael Hsing, 2002 cohort, Bio-Cad - Vancouver, BC
• Shannan Ho Sui, 2002 cohort, Merck-Frosst - Kirkland, Quebec
• Byron Kuo, 2002 cohort, Inimex - Vancouver, BC
• Debra Fulton, 2003 cohort, Merck-Frosst - Kirkland, Quebec
• Nels Thorsteinson, 2005 cohort, Zymeworks - Vancouver, BC
• Gozde Cozen, 2005 cohort, MedBiogene - Vancouver, BC
• Kaida Ning, 2007 cohort, Zymeworks - Vancouver, BC

IP Documentation  - this document must be agreed to before student rotations can take place.