About BTP
The Biotechnology Training Program (BTP) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, provides foundational training for pre-doctoral students engaged in cutting-edge research across the interface of the biological, physical, and engineering sciences. BTP fosters an environment that welcomes all scientists. Started in 1989, this training program is one of the oldest and largest in the United States.
Students who are (1) applying to participating graduate programs and (2) interested in the research of a BTP mentor are eligible to be nominated. Students who are accepted to BTP receive funding for their stipend and tuition. Their student fees (called segregated fees at UW–Madison) are also covered by the program. BTP trainees must study in the lab of one of the many BTP faculty mentors.
If you are interested in BTP, feel free to read on and explore our website! And for more information on eligibility and the nomination process, visit our Nomination page.
What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the broad use of biological systems to create a technical product or process. It is vital to growth and innovation in the U.S. and across the globe. Since 1989, multi-disciplinary faculty from across campus have served as mentors for student trainees. BTP alumni go on to successful careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurship, and academic research, and more.
What will I do in BTP?
BTP consists of four major components that enhance your doctoral program and career prospects: 1) a cross-disciplinary minor; 2) BTP seminars and coursework that enhance your understanding of the biotechnology industry; 3) responsible conduct of research seminars with students from across campus; and 4) internships and other opportunities to interact with industry scientists.
What are the benefits of BTP?
Trainees can market themselves as being part of a prestigious NIH training grant. BTP provides a unique training experience at UW–Madison by bringing trainees and faculty together from four schools and colleges. Our focus on cross-disciplinary research and the importance of an internship for the effective training of scientists and engineers distinguishes us from other training programs on campus.
Our goal is to have all BTP trainees complete our program requirements, publish leading research in the discipline of their choosing, graduate with a Ph.D. degree, and then go on to successful careers in industry, government, academia, law, or other areas.
Campus resources, coupled with those of the program, make UW–Madison and the BTP an ideal place to perform important research. BTP mentors make strong contributions to the intellectual property portfolio at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), the designated intellectual property organization for UW–Madison. BTP mentors and trainees have been named as inventors on over 270 issued U.S. patents held by WARF.