Events and Seminars

The intellectual climate and attitudes of the institution are as important as the buildings, equipment, and facilities. The University seeks to foster a high degree of inquisitiveness joined with a genuine spirit of cooperation among the students and teachers and with a dedication to acquiring new knowledge. This is a formula which promotes enjoyment as well as powerful scholarship in the educational process. The MSTP assists in enriching the academic environment with the following:

MSTP Seminars - Seminars on subjects related to science and medicine, but apart from the traditional scientific seminars, are held monthly during the fall and winter terms. They are designed to offer perspectives on research, medicine, and science broadly, views which may expand the fellow's own outlook. These seminars are a required part of the MSTP and serve as an important linking mechanism for fellows at different levels of their training.

MSTP New Faculty Luncheons - During the fall semester, the MSTP hosts luncheons with "new faculty," which we define as research faculty who have yet to mentor an MSTP fellow and who have been at Michigan for three years or less. This provides our fellows an opportunity to meet faculty on an informal basis, and to learn about potential research mentors who have yet to become part of the student grapevine of information.

MSTP Retreat - An annual scientific retreat is held during the late summer. This provides an opportunity for the advanced MSTP fellows to present a summary of their research progress. The retreat is an effective and pleasant way for the fellows to understand each other and to know about the nature of the research in which their colleagues are engaged.

MSTP Social Events - Early in the summer a potluck picnic is held to welcome the entering fellows. At least two other informal social events are scheduled during the year, typically in January and May.