UCLA Receives $4.6 Million Grant for AI and Computational Biology Training
On August 26, 2026, UCLA secured a $4.6 million grant from The Warren Alpert Foundation to establish the Computational Biology/AI Training and Retention Program. This initiative aims to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in these fields, particularly focusing on increasing diversity. The program will build on existing efforts and collaborations, including the Computational Genomics Summer Institute and the Online Data Science in Biomedicine Master's program.
UCLA has received a $4.6 million grant from The Warren Alpert Foundation to establish the Warren Alpert UCLA Computational Biology/AI Training and Retention Program. This initiative will be housed within the Department of Computational Medicine and aims to meet the growing demand for professionals with expertise in both Computational Biology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A strong emphasis is placed on enhancing diversity within the field. The grant will support the development of this program, which builds on the successes of the Computational Genomics Summer Institute, an NIH-funded initiative held annually at UCLA since 2016. Additionally, it will leverage the recently launched Online Data Science in Biomedicine Master's program, expanding educational opportunities in this critical area.
Dr. Eleazar Eskin, chair of UCLA's Department of Computational Medicine, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "There is an incredible demand for individuals with expertise in Computational Biology and AI, and our new program will play a pivotal role in meeting this demand." The program aims to attract scholars from underrepresented groups in science, fostering inclusivity in these vital fields. Dr. Steven M. Dubinett, dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, emphasized the importance of forming partnerships with minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and California State Universities, to reach a broader pool of candidates.
The Computational Biology/AI Training and Retention Program will serve a dual purpose, benefiting both students enrolled in UCLA's Master's and Ph.D. programs and professionals seeking additional training. The goal is to create a network of scholars who can connect with opportunities in both industry and academia, enhancing retention in the field of computational biomedicine. Through the UCLA Biodesign AI program, some scholars will collaborate with clinical units within the UCLA Health System to develop AI solutions for clinical challenges, gaining practical experience alongside their academic training.
Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park, the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean of UCLA Samueli, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to collaborate and contribute to this program, which will provide scholarships to support these scholars and ensure equitable access to the program’s many educational benefits." This grant marks The Warren Alpert Foundation's first funding directed towards UCLA, setting a precedent for future collaborations aimed at advancing education in essential scientific fields. Looking ahead, the program is poised to address the urgent need for skilled professionals equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the intersection of computational biology and AI.
With the support of The Warren Alpert Foundation and collaborations with various institutions, UCLA aims to expand its educational reach and impact. The initiative aligns with broader trends in education and workforce development, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to advancements in healthcare and technology on a global scale.
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