Biotechnology Training Program

Doctoral Studies Funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Photo of BTP student studying a molecular model
Photo of BTP student loading a tube in the 900 MHz NMR Spectrometer
Photo of BTP students with Petri dishes

NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences logoThe Biotechnology Training Program (BTP) at the University of Wisconsin­­–Madison offers an opportunity for doctoral students to obtain specific training and experience in the ever-growing field of biotechnology, complete with focused coursework, an industry internship, and funding for up to two years. BTP is a multi-disciplinary training program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, an institute of the NIH. It also receives substantial support from the UW–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education and participating UW­–Madison schools, colleges, and departments. Learn more at our About page or continue reading for some information on what you can get out of the program.

BTP at a Glance

Average years to degree: 5.8

Be a part of a group of talented doctoral students who on average graduate in less than six years. Over the last 15 years, 158 students have been part of the program. Of those, 86% have either completed their Ph.D. or are still in training.

Erin Birdsall performs an experiment in the lab. Photo by Robin Davies.

URM Trainees who finished a Ph.D or are still in training: 93%

BTP fosters an environment that welcomes all scientists and promotes excellence and strength through diversity.

Grant Nickles works in High Throughput Computing Center. Photo by Robin Davies.

Average number of publications: 5.5

During their training, trainees publish an average of 5.5 academic articles and serve as first author on 2.9 of them.

David Rivera_Kohr and Dama Rodriguez-Ramos look over their research in the lab. Photo by Robin Davies.

Trainees who receive additional fellowships: 43%

Our trainees are highly sought after. Over one third of them receive other fellowships to support their graduate work during non-BTP funded years, such as from the National Science Foundation or the university itself.

Clara Frazier performs an diagnostics in the lab. Photo by Robin Davies.

Career opportunities after BTP: Infinite

BTP alumni have successful careers in many biotechnology-related areas in both academia and industry.

Isabella Witworth performs an experiment in the lab. Photo by Robin Davies.

Events

  • Sep
    27

    BTP Seminar @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 175 H.F. DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

  • Oct
    04

    BTP Seminar @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 175 H.F. DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

  • Oct
    11

    BTP Seminar @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 175 H.F. DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

  • Oct
    18

    BTP Seminar @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 175 H.F. DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

  • Oct
    25

    BTP Seminar @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 175 H.F. DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

BTP News

From Cuba to cancer research at UW–Madison:
Watch BTP alumnus Reinier Hernandez discuss his experience

Communication, collaboration aid BTP alumna at Exact Sciences

Three decades of BTP scientists intersect at Madison stem cell startup