The Colorado School of Public Health has received a five-year, $1.95 million training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), creating new opportunities for doctoral students and marking a historic first for the school. The award will support advanced training in epidemiology and biostatistics, helping prepare future public health data scientists to conduct and communicate research using increasingly complex health data.
The grant establishes the Colorado High-Dimensional Analytics & Methods Program (CHAMP), which will support three doctoral students annually during the first three years of their training in Epidemiology or Biostatistics. Founded in 2008, ColoradoSPH has never before received an NIH-funded T32 training grant, making the award a significant milestone in the school’s continued growth and national reputation.
As biomedical research increasingly relies on vast datasets generated through electronic health records, medical imaging, omics technologies, and microbiome studies, researchers must be equipped with advanced analytical skills to interpret and apply these data effectively. Through CHAMP, trainees will develop expertise in high-dimensional data analysis while gaining practical experience in translating complex findings for investigators, collaborators, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
“As machine learning and artificial intelligence emerge throughout virtually every area of biomedical research, training the next generation of public health data scientists to think critically about big data is critical,” said Debashis Ghosh, PhD, professor of biostatistics and principal investigator on the grant. “The grant will enable students in epidemiology and biostatistics to develop these analytic skills and prepare them to address the country's pressing public health challenges.”
A key component of the program is its emphasis on communication. In addition to mastering sophisticated analytical methods, trainees will receive preparation to effectively explain research findings and statistical approaches to diverse audiences, ensuring that scientific discoveries can inform decision-making and improve health outcomes.
“This support creates opportunities for talented trainees to strengthen both the technical and communication skills needed to conduct in-depth, data-intensive research and communicate findings to broad audiences,” said Jill Norris, PhD, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at ColoradoSPH.
The grant also reflects the strength of ColoradoSPH's research enterprise and the collaborative efforts of faculty leaders across the school.
The overall project period extends through June 30, 2031. The initial award is $162,501, with funding expected to increase to $487,504 annually during years three through five. Support will fund trainee stipends, tuition, training-related expenses, and professional development opportunities designed to prepare students for impactful careers in research and public health.
The program is led by principal investigators from ColoradoSPH's Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Informatics, including Debashis Ghosh, Jill Norris, Brandie Wagner, and Alison Abraham. Together, they will help cultivate a new generation of researchers capable of navigating increasingly sophisticated data environments while advancing solutions to some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges.
As data science, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics continue to transform biomedical research, the CHAMP program positions ColoradoSPH at the forefront of training future leaders who can combine technical excellence with effective communication. Through this NIH investment, ColoradoSPH is expanding opportunities for doctoral students while strengthening its role as a leader in public health research, education, and innovation.
“This is a first for the Colorado School of Public Health, and I am extraordinarily proud of the team whose work made this funding possible,” said Cathy Bradley, PhD, MPA, dean of ColoradoSPH. “This award is another testament to the outstanding work happening across our school and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in public health research, education, and practice.”
