Students at the University of Rhode Island engaged in biomedical training through the newly funded program.
The University of Rhode Island (URI) has secured a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence certificate program. The funding is aimed at enhancing workforce development training in the biomedical and biotechnology sectors over the next three years. With over 6,000 students enrolled in related disciplines, URI continues to play a pivotal role in training future professionals in these key industries amid a growing demand for skills in both biotechnology and cybersecurity.
Rhode Island – The University of Rhode Island (URI) has been awarded a significant $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding is aimed at supporting the Rhode Island IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence certificate program, which plays a vital role in workforce development training within the biomedical and biotechnology sectors. The grant will ensure the continuation of this program for another three years, enhancing the educational opportunities available to students interested in these industries.
Launched in 2023, the certificate program provides free educational training for individuals pursuing careers in biomedical fields. More than 6,000 URI students are currently enrolled in biomedical sciences-related disciplines, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering talent in this growing sector.
This grant comes as part of a larger initiative that includes a $160.5 million higher education bond campaign proposed to bolster developmental projects throughout Rhode Island. The campaign has garnered support from Governor Dan McKee and various educational leaders who aim to enhance Rhode Island’s standing in the biomedical sciences and technology sectors. If this bond is approved, $87.5 million will be allocated for the construction of a new biomedical sciences building at URI, which is expected to serve as a central hub for advanced research and training.
Additionally, $73 million will be dedicated to transforming Whipple Hall at Rhode Island College into a core facility for the newly established Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies. The bond’s primary goal is to create better job opportunities and to stimulate economic prosperity for the state.
Currently, Rhode Island boasts 5,773 employees working within the biotech industry, supported by 666 biotech companies throughout the state. URI’s program has been particularly influential in research aimed at the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including critical conditions like Alzheimer’s and ALS.
In conjunction with URI’s efforts, the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College opened in fall 2023. It currently accommodates nearly 400 students, albeit facing the need for technological upgrades to meet the demands of modern cybersecurity education. Future plans include a partnership with IBM to create a hands-on cyber range experience designed to prepare students for the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Rhode Island is currently facing a growing demand in the cybersecurity field, with approximately 2,700 job openings available in this sector. Nationwide, the shortage is even more pronounced, with over half a million positions unfilled. In response to this urgent necessity, Rhode Island College is set to launch a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence this fall, aimed at producing AI-literate professionals who can meet future market demands.
The proposed higher education bond is also projected to fund a range of other initiatives across the state, including projects related to affordable housing, the green economy, and arts funding. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance the overall educational landscape in Rhode Island while simultaneously addressing pressing economic and social issues.
Through this substantial federal grant and accompanying bond campaign, URI and local educational institutions are poised to make significant strides in workforce development, preparing students to fill critical roles in the rapidly evolving biomedical and technological sectors.
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