Programs to Enhance Diversity in the Biomedical Sciences

What is NIGMS?

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports basic research that increases understanding of biological processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS provides leadership in training the next generation of scientists, in enhancing the diversity of the scientific workforce, and in developing research capacities throughout the country.

A person looking into a microscope
Credit: Winston-Salem State University.

Does NIGMS offer undergraduate scholarships?

No. NIGMS does not offer undergraduate scholarships. We fund programs at colleges and universities to foster the training and development of a strong and diverse biomedical research workforce. The schools select the students to participate in these programs. See a list of participating schools.

NIGMS does offer fellowships at the graduate and postdoctoral levels.

Does NIGMS support groups underrepresented in science?

Biomedical science
majors include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biology
  • Cell biology
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Neurobiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology

Yes. NIGMS’ Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity supports programs that foster the training and development of a strong and diverse biomedical workforce. For a list of groups underrepresented in biomedical research, see the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for funding?

Yes. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for funding. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Will NIGMS pay for my medical school education?

No. NIGMS will pay for medical training only as part of the combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree, which prepares students for careers in biomedical research.

What programs does NIGMS fund?

NIGMS supports the following institutional programs that prepare students for graduate school and beyond:

ACADEMIC LEVELPROGRAMS
Community College Bridges to the Baccalaureate
Undergraduate MARC Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research
Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement
Initiative for Maximizing Student Development
Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity
Post-Bachelor’s Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program
Master’s Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement
Bridges to the Doctorate
Ph.D. Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement
Initiative for Maximizing Student Development
Training Program Research Areas:
Postdoctoral Postdoctoral Training Grant Areas: Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award

Does NIGMS provide funding for researchers after they complete their Ph.D.?

Yes. NIGMS offers postdoctoral fellowships and career development awards. These aim to prepare Ph.D. graduates for research careers, to help jump-start academic careers (Pathway to Independence), and to mentor clinical and other scientists working in certain areas (Mentored Clinical Career Development Awards in Anesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Trauma and Burn Injury and Mentored Quantitative Research Career Development Awards).

Where do I get more information about these programs?

For more information about NIGMS research training programs, contact the Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity at 301-594-3900.

Learn More

NIGMS is a part of the National Institutes of Health that supports basic research to increase our understanding of biological processes and lay the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. For more information on the Institute's research and training programs, see https://www.nigms.nih.gov.

Content updated March 2018

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