National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)

PAR-23-228

Through this funding opportunity, NIGMS will accept predoctoral training grant applications for programs in one of 12 areas in the basic biomedical sciences supported by the Institute. Organizations may hold only one training grant per area.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read information about NIGMS predoctoral training grant programs found on the NIGMS website and to contact program staff before preparing or submitting an application  to verify that the proposed program is eligible and in alignment with NIGMS funding priorities.

General Considerations. NIGMS intends to fund applications that propose feasible, rigorous, well-designed research training programs that will build on the most effective elements of successful programs, while encouraging creative and transformational approaches to biomedical research training - ranging from curricular reform to changes in the research training environment. Funded programs are expected to:

• Be well integrated within one or more graduate department(s)/program(s) and should exert a strong, positive influence at the organizational level on research training and mentoring practices.
• Have clearly defined training objectives and show evidence of meeting the objectives in progress reports and in renewal applications.
• Implement evidence-informed training and mentoring activities (for example, approaches that are grounded in the literature and evaluations of existing relevant research training programs). Programs are expected to be responsive to evaluations, particularly with respect to trainee feedback.
• Provide rigorous, well-designed mentored research experiences, and additional opportunities that will build a strong cohort of research-oriented individuals. Training grant funds may not be used solely as a vehicle to provide financial aid for trainees to conduct research.
• Demonstrate effective oversight of trainee development and promote retention for the entire time the trainee is in the graduate program. Retention efforts are activities designed to sustain the scientific interests and participation of trainees from all backgrounds. Retention and oversight activities might include monitoring academic and research progress, building strong trainee cohorts, as well as increasing science identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging within research training environments. Programs are expected to make efforts to identify individuals who may need additional academic and social supports to successfully complete the program, and ensure they receive the needed support.
• Promote inclusive, safe, accessible, and supportive research training environments to maximize success for all individuals in the training program. Specifically, funded programs should have organizational and departmental environments where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed, feel integrated into, and supported by the biomedical research community. Safety in research training should encompass (1) environments free from harassment, discrimination, and intimidation, in which all are treated in a respectful and supportive manner, (2) laboratory and clinical settings where individuals exercise the highest standards of practice for chemical, biological and physical safety, and (3) practices at the organizational leadership and research community levels that demonstrate core values and behaviors to emphasize safety over competing goals.

Trainee Support. The training grant defrays the cost of stipends, tuition and fees, and training related expenses, including health insurance, for the appointed trainees in accordance with the approved NIH NRSA support levels. Students are typically provided full-time support for 1-2 years of graduate studies. Use of training grant support in the first two years of graduate research training is strongly encouraged to provide maximum benefits in the participation in courses, laboratory rotations, and professional development activities.

Application budgets are not limited but must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project

Not required

January 25, 2024

Mercedes Rubio
National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: rubiome@mail.nih.gov