NIGMS Predoctoral Institutional Research Training Grant (T32)

Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).

Program Summary

The goal of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Predoctoral Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) program is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained scientists available to address the Nation’s biomedical research agenda. Specifically, this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) provides support to eligible, domestic institutions to develop and implement effective, evidence-informed approaches to biomedical graduate training and mentoring that will keep pace with the rapid evolution of the biomedical research enterprise. NIGMS expects that the proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, and career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.

The Overarching Objective of the NIGMS Predoctoral Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) program is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained scientists who have the following:

  • A broad understanding across biomedical disciplines;
  • Expertise in a basic biomedical scientific discipline and the skills to independently acquire the knowledge needed to advance their chosen fields;
  • The ability to think critically and independently, and to identify important biomedical research questions and approaches that push forward the boundaries of their areas of study;
  • A strong foundation in scientific reasoning, rigorous research design, experimental methods, quantitative and computational approaches, and data analysis and interpretation;
  • The skills to conduct research in the safest manner possible, and a commitment to approaching biomedical research responsibly, ethically, and with integrity;
  • Experience initiating, conducting, interpreting, and presenting rigorous and reproducible biomedical research with increasing self-direction;
  • The ability to work effectively in teams with colleagues from a variety of cultural and scientific backgrounds, and to promote inclusive and supportive scientific research environments;
  • The skills to teach and communicate scientific research methodologies and findings to a wide variety of audiences (e.g., discipline-specific, across disciplines, and the public); and
  • The knowledge, professional skills and experiences required to identify and transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce (i.e., the breadth of careers that sustain biomedical research in areas that are relevant to the NIH mission).

Diversity at all levels—from the kinds of science to the regions in which it is conducted to the backgrounds of the people conducting it— contributes to excellence in research training environments and strengthens the research enterprise. This FOA is intended to support outstanding research training programs that will enhance diversity at all levels (e.g., see the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity).

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST March 28, 2022

Sponsor Application Deadline: May 25, 2022

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Project Summary (3 pages maximum): Please include the mission, objectives, rationale and design of the research training program. Highlight key activities in the training plan that promote skills development and the successful transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. Indicate the intended trainee outcomes.
  • Biomedical Science Program Area: Applicants must identify under which area the proposal will be submitted.
    • Behavioral-Biomedical Sciences Interface
    • Biostatistics
    • Biotechnology
    • Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular Sciences
    • Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI)
    • Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Data Science
    • Genetics
    • Molecular Biophysics
    • Molecular Medicine
    • Pharmacological Sciences
    • Systems and Integrative Biology
    • Transdisciplinary Basic Biomedical Sciences
  • PI Curriculum Vitae
  • Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit: https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/6710/home

Eligibility

As described in the instructions for the Training Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) in Section IV.2 below, NIGMS encourages multiple PDs/PIs, particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance training. At least one of the training PDs/PIs should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program.  Additional PDs/PIs, including individuals with experience in the science of education, relevant social science disciplines, program evaluation, mentoring, and university administration may be included to achieve the training goals. Any of the PDs/PIs may serve as the contact PD/PI.  The contact PD/PI is expected to have a full-time appointment at the applicant institution unless extremely well-justified. If the full-time status of the contact PD/PI changes after the award, the institution must obtain prior program approval to appoint a new PD/PI or request a deviation from the full-time rule. The PDs/PIs will be responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees to the approved research training program, and for the overall direction, management, administration, and evaluation of the program. The PDs/PIs will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required. The PDs/PIs have responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the program and are responsible for appointing members of the Advisory Committee (when applicable) and using their recommendations to determine the appropriate allotment of funds.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is programmatically distinct. NIGMS accepts predoctoral training grant applications to enhance graduate research training in 12 broad areas of basic biomedical sciences. NIGMS will support only one training program in each training area per institution (normally identified by having a unique DUNS number or NIH IPF number).

Award Information

Application budgets are not limited, but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. Awards may be for project periods up to five years in duration and are renewable. 

Review Criteria

Please consider NIH’s specific review criteria as the proposal is developed. The internal review committee will use these criteria as a guide when evaluating internal proposals.