Training Programs

A dedication to education and training has always been central to The Wistar Institute’s mission.

One of the primary goals established by the original deed of trust for the Institute is that “the object of the laboratories” of the Institute “shall be for the improvement and research of postgraduate or advanced students.” Over time, training programs for undergraduate and high school students have also been established at the Institute.

In an average year, approximately 100 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists are in training at The Wistar Institute. Most predoctoral students who work at Wistar come from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences, and postdoctoral trainees come from every part of the world for their advanced training. In turn, Wistar-trained investigators can be found among the leaders in every field of biomedical science. Trainees are supported by the individual laboratories or by any of several training grants on which their mentors serve as participating faculty.

Research at The Wistar Institute focuses on multidisciplinary approaches to understand the molecular and cellular bases of cancer and to develop new vaccines against infectious diseases. Shared facilities support these research programs by providing expertise and technologies in several areas including genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.