History

The concept of the Immunology Training Program was first kindled in the 1980’s when a group of 9 faculty from the departments of Microbiology, Pathology, Biochemistry and Medicine developed their shared interests in the general field of immunology into an informal seminar series.

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The initial NIH training grant award in September of 1988 established the credibility of the ITP and allowed for the creation of a specific interdisciplinary immunology curriculum.  The weekly seminar series remained a major focus of the program as additional faculty with interests in immunology joined the BUSM community and the ITP.  A number of significant collaborative projects among the faculty and trainees were initiated during that time period, establishing the ITP as a highly interactive research community.

Over time, the ITP had become the prototypic interdisciplinary program within the medical school and a major attraction for immunologists seeking positions in the Boston area.  ITP faculty continue to work together closely, through participation in ITP-related courses, seminars, and thesis advisory committees.