I2D3 is being designed as a next-generation training environment for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who aspire to work at the interface of academic discovery and translational science. These training pathways will be intentionally structured to prepare scientists for impactful careers across academia, biotechnology, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Trainees in I2D3 will be embedded in a collaborative, cross-lab model, working across complementary academic research laboratories while also receiving mentorship from a biotech or pharmaceutical industry partner. This mentoring structure is designed to expose trainees to diverse scientific perspectives and professional cultures, while reinforcing the rigor, pace, and decision-making frameworks required to translate discoveries into real-world solutions.
A central goal of I2D3 training is the development of cross-functional skill sets that extend beyond any single discipline. Trainees will gain experience spanning experimental and computational approaches, project leadership, team-based problem solving, and communication across academic and industry contexts. Through structured mentorship and hands-on project work, trainees will learn to navigate the full lifecycle of translational research—from early discovery and validation to considerations of development, scalability, and impact.
I2D3 trainees will have the opportunity to engage directly in translational research projects with clear relevance to human health and therapeutic innovation. These projects will emphasize milestone-driven progress, collaborative decision-making, and exposure to industry-aligned scientific standards, while maintaining the intellectual freedom and depth of inquiry that define outstanding academic training. Collectively, these experiences are intended to equip graduates and postdoctoral fellows with the scientific breadth, translational mindset, and professional confidence needed to lead in an increasingly integrated biomedical research ecosystem.