The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has announced major new funding through its Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program, supporting the development of innovative training initiatives across Canada. Among the funded projects is a new program led by Dr. Sarah Hedtrich and Dr. Govind Kaigala at the University of British Columbia.
Titled BioHuMS – Training Program in Biodevices for Human-Based Model Systems, this initiative will receive support over six years to train the next generation of scientists and engineers in cutting-edge approaches to studying human health.
Traditional drug testing methods, particularly those relying on animal models, are increasingly limited in their ability to accurately predict human outcomes. BioHuMSresponds to this challenge by focusing on advanced human-based model systems and biodevices that better replicate human biology. The program will equip trainees with interdisciplinary expertise spanning biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, immunology, and computational modeling.
Participants will benefit from hands-on research training, mentorship, professional development opportunities, and industry-relevant experience through internships and collaborations with national and international partners. The program aims to prepare highly qualified students and postdoctoral fellows for impactful careers across academia, industry, and government. The program leverages the Conconi Family Biodevice Foundry, located in the Shrum Building within the School of Biomedical Engineering, to provide new capabilities for designing and fabricating custom devices for both research and training.
“With BioHuMS, we are building a truly interdisciplinary training environment that empowers the next generation of researchers to rethink how we study human biology and develop new therapies,” said Dr. Sarah Hedtrich. “By combining engineering, life sciences, and computational approaches, we aim to equip trainees with the skills needed to drive innovation and bring more predictive, human-relevant models into drug development.”
By fostering innovation in human-relevant testing technologies, BioHuMS will contribute to accelerating the development of safer, more effective therapies while strengthening Canada’s leadership in biotechnology and health research.