About the UGTP
The goal of the Genetics Training Program (UGTP) at the University of Utah is to give a set of outstanding predoctoral researchers a broad education in genetics, intensive training in the process of performing and evaluating research in a rigorous and ethical manner, and mentorship and support of their development as productive, collaborative members of the scientific community who apply their training to a wide variety of careers.
News & Announcements
Genetics Interest Group Seminars 2026-27
The Genetics Interest Group Seminar Series has started up for the year! On September 14,, Dr. Michael Werner (Biological Sciences) spoke about “Extremophile Animals,” placing his own lab’s discovery of nematodes inhabiting the Great Salt Lake into the historical and modern context of studying animals that live in harsh conditions.
The next GIG seminar will be on November 2. Join us at 4:15 PM in EIHG to hear from Dr. Julie Kiefer, Director of Research Communications at the U of U.
Congratulations to David!
We are proud to congratulate Dr. David Grunwald, co-Director of the UGTP and Professor of Human Genetics, on his recent receipt of the George Streisinger Award from the International Zebrafish Society. This award reflects recognition of David’s numerous accomplishments and contributions to the field of zebrafish genetics, and comes on the heels of his election as a AAAS Fellow last spring.
More About the UGTP
Genetics is the study of how the information governing traits of an organism is decoded, how this information is stably passed on between generations, and how variant traits, including altered appearance, behaviors, birth defects, or disease states, arise. Studying the functions of genes, the control of their expression, and the effects of genetic variation give practical insights into how normal development and health are established and maintained, and how changes in gene function and expression contribute to congenital defects, aging, the origins of cancer, and the basis of many diseases.
Our Training Program is designed and implemented so that trainees acquire a strong knowledge base of and skills in applying:
• Genetics fluency
• Scientific rigor and integrity
• Independent research productivity
• Awareness of scientific careers
• Tools to enhance effective team research environments
• Professional skills