The Primate Genomics Initiative
The goal of the Primate Genomics Initiative (PGI) is to facilitate collaborative evolutionary genomics research projects between Duke researchers using nonhuman and human primate models across diverse fields by combining research, training and service
PGI Mission Statement
The goal of the Primate Genomics Initiative (PGI) is to facilitate collaborative evolutionary genomics research projects between Duke researchers using nonhuman and human primate models across diverse fields by combining research, training and service. The PGI will: (1) Promote cross-divisional and cross-school collaborations between researchers studying cognition, behavior, anatomy, neuroscience, medicine, and genomics to increase our understanding of the biology and evolution of primates (2) Develop an interdisciplinary graduate training program in primate evolutionary genomics through yearly graduate fellowships and seminar series, (3) Provide infrastructure that will promote new genomics research throughout the Duke community by increasing research opportunities and fostering collaborations in the study of the biology and evolution of primates.
PGI RESEARCH (details here)
The Duke University Primate Genomics Initiative (PGI) is designed to build upon strong foundations in any aspect of primate biology using genomics to create stronger research directions. The PGI is specifically focused on promoting cross-divisional and cross-school collaborations among researchers studying both basic and clinical sciences in cognition, behavior, anatomy, neuroscience, medicine, and genomics to increase our understanding of the biology and evolution of primates. We welcome collaborations and partnerships that will benefit from genetic and genomic expertise and/or resources. In order to catalyze collaborations through the development of important primate resources, monetary awards averaging between $3,000 and $5,000 are available on a competitive basis for resource creation and data collection. Ideally, the data generated via a successful award will be important for investigators who plan to seek extramural funding. Partnerships with members of the Evolutionary Anthropology Department and the Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy (IGSP) will aid with data collection and analysis.
PGI Training Opportunities (details here)
The Primate Genomics Initiative (PGI) has a limited number of Summer Fellowships immediately available to Duke graduate students this summer. These fellowships are designed to allow students with a strong foundation in either genomics or primate biology to pursue research
projects on primate evolutionary genomics. Appropriate areas of research include, but are not limited to, aspects of primate cognition, behavior, anatomy, neurobiology, and medicine. We strongly encourage exploratory and collaborative interdisciplinary projects. Up to four fellowships will be awarded with a maximum award of $9,882 to offset costs of summer tuition and fees. PGI Summer Fellows will participate in a Fellows Lunch and several discussion groups meant to stimulate collaborations and promote genomics research on campus.