Laura Knoll, PhD, associate dean for basic research training and professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), has received a strategic start-up education grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) for the initiative Career Development and Pathway Partnerships: Training the Future Leaders of the Wisconsin Biomedical Workforce.
The award of $900,000 over three years will build the capacity and leadership of Wisconsin’s biomedical and health care workforce by preparing SMPH doctoral students to lead the state’s expanding biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
This innovative biomedical workforce development proposal in partnership with the master of science in biotechnology program and the Wisconsin BioHealth Tech Hub provides additional experiences and robust training to PhD students each year to prepare them to join Wisconsin’s biomedical research workforce.
“This project will build on lasting partnerships between UW–Madison and Wisconsin biotech employers to create sustainable pathways that retain top scientific talent in the state and prepare the next generation of biomedical innovators and health care leaders,” said Knoll.
By integrating career exploration and industry engagement into doctoral training, the program will equip trainees with the skills, experience and networks needed to transition confidently into the workforce.
“The Wisconsin Partnership Program has a strong legacy of investing in SMPH education initiatives to help meet Wisconsin’s evolving health workforce needs,” said Amy Kind, MD, PhD, SMPH associate dean for social health sciences and programs and WPP executive director. “We are thrilled to support this innovative initiative and the tremendous opportunity it provides to advance the career and professional development of SMPH doctoral students, ensuring they are prepared to serve and lead Wisconsin’s biomedical research workforce.”
