UTMB’s Research Education department
strives to provide innovative educational opportunities related to all aspects of funded research. The staff provides up-to-date information on funding and research administration to the UTMB community, and to provide researchers and their support
staff with training on many aspects of conducting research. Courses are offered on a regular basis and as requested.
UTMB’s Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences advances human understanding and knowledge in health-related disciplines
through scholarly teaching and research in the biomedical sciences. These courses discuss the humane care and use of animals:
- Responsible Conduct in Biomedical Research: This three-term course for students
working toward advanced scientific degrees covers all topics recommended by the NIH in responsible conduct of research and incorporates contemporary ethical and regulatory issues in modern biomedical research.
- Ethics of Scientific Research: This course explores ethical issues in the conduct of scientific
research. Students discuss the philosophy of science, the practice of scientific research, conflicts of interest and the value conflicts that arise between scientists and society at large.
UTMB is home to the International Biosafety Training Center. The center’s biosafety training courses are
based on best practices and industry standards for biocontainment and clinical lab environments worldwide. Through an exceptional level of biosafety training expertise, the IBTC has developed a global reputation for providing advanced training and
precise assessment methods that are unmatched in the biosafety training field. Training courses are tailored to the needs of the clients and are offered onsite at UTMB and offsite internationally. UTMB is currently providing training for clients in
30 different states across North America and in 44 different countries.
The IBTC offers training courses either at the customer’s laboratory or at UTMB’s training center. Either way, UTMB is well-versed in how to place established methods into practice and determine the safest possible ways for all laboratory
personnel to conduct research. IBTC training courses are based on best practices and industry standards for biocontainment and clinical lab environments.
For example, the ABSL-3 Training course provides theory and practical training with small animals. The course includes
hours in the lab safely implementing animal handling under high containment conditions designed for working with dangerous pathogens. The instructors emphasize safety for the animals, researchers, products being tested and the environment.