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Celebrating 20 Years of Training and Discovery: Why the Joint CMU–Pitt PhD Program in Computational Biology Matters
Twenty years ago, computational biology was still emerging as a discipline. The idea that biology, medicine, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and engineering could be integrated into a single field was ambitious. Yet the challenges facing human health demanded exactly that kind of interdisciplinary thinking.
In 2006, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh came together to create the Joint PhD Program in Computational Biology (CPCB), one of the first programs of its kind in the nation. What began as a bold experiment has grown into a globally recognized training program that prepares scientists to solve some of the most complex problems in biology and medicine.
Today, CPCB stands as a model of collaboration. Few graduate programs can offer students the opportunity to train simultaneously at two world-class research universities, learning from experts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, genomics, systems biology, biomedical informatics, mathematics, statistics, and medicine. Our students do not work within traditional academic boundaries—they learn to bridge them.
The impact of this vision is remarkable.
Over the past two decades, CPCB has grown from a small cohort of students and faculty into a thriving community of more than 100 trainees and 120 faculty mentors. Applications have increased nearly fourfold, reflecting the growing importance of computational approaches in modern biology. Our alumni have become leaders in academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, government, and technology companies around the world.
Yet what truly distinguishes CPCB is not its size or reputation—it is its people.
Our students tackle problems that matter. They develop artificial intelligence methods to understand disease, analyze vast genomic datasets to advance precision medicine, model biological systems to uncover new therapeutic targets, and create computational tools that accelerate scientific discovery. Their work impacts patients, researchers, and communities worldwide.
At the same time, CPCB fosters a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual curiosity. Students are encouraged to think broadly, communicate across disciplines, and pursue questions that others might consider impossible. They learn not only how to conduct groundbreaking research, but how to become scientific leaders.
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary Symposium, we honor the faculty, students, alumni, staff, and supporters who have shaped this extraordinary community. The symposium is more than a celebration of our history—it is an investment in our future.
Support for this event helps bring together generations of CPCB scholars and innovators. It creates opportunities for students to connect with alumni mentors, fosters new scientific collaborations, highlights emerging discoveries, and inspires the next generation of computational biologists.
The challenges facing society—from cancer and neurodegenerative disease to pandemic preparedness and precision medicine—will require scientists who can work across disciplines and harness the power of data. CPCB exists to train those scientists.
For twenty years, CPCB has transformed how researchers approach biology. With your support, it will continue to shape the future of science, medicine, and human health for decades to come.
Together, we are not only celebrating what CPCB has accomplished. We are investing in what is possible next.
Today's CPCB students are tomorrow's faculty innovators, biotech founders, pharmaceutical researchers, and AI leaders. Supporting CPCB is an investment in the talent pipeline that will drive the future of biomedical discovery.
Sponsorship Purpose
Sponsorships directly support event costs (venue, reception, materials) while providing meaningful visibility and engagement with a highly trained computational biology community.
Sponsorship Tiers
Thank you for considering a contribution to our campaign, and investing in what is possible!
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