We would like to remind the training community about and encourage applications to the Trans-Departmental Basic Biomedical Sciences (TBB) predoctoral training program. TBB is one of 12 basic biomedical sciences areas NIGMS supports through PAR-23-228. The goals are to broaden the scope and the institutional and geographic distribution of NIGMS basic biomedical research training programs, as well as to enhance research training capacity. In contrast to other programs focused on specific scientific areas, the TBB program provides students with research training opportunities from the breadth of biomedical disciplines at participating organizations.

We’re hosting a virtual question-and-answer “office hour” on Monday, December 16, for the Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE; PAR-24-032) and Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD; PAR-24-031) T32 training programs.

The goals of these programs are to strengthen research training environments and promote broader participation of scientists earning Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical research workforce.

Next application due date: January 29, 2025

Notice of Virtual Question & Answer Office Hours for BRE-SPAD Program Applicants (NOT-GM-25-014)

UPDATE: The first application due date for the BRE-SPAD program has changed to February 19, 2025. For more information, see NOT-GM-25-010.

The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for our Biomedical Research Environment & Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) program is now available (PAR-24-268). The program aims to promote broad participation in biomedical research by supporting resource-limited institutions to conduct research, enhance their research environments, and increase sponsored programs’ administration capacity.

Applications should propose activities in at least two of the following areas:

• Developing sponsored programs’ administration 
• Cultivating growth in the research environment 
• Administering pilot research projects 

We’ve published a notice (NOT-GM-24-056) to inform the community about areas of special interest for our Institute-specific predoctoral basic biomedical training grant program (PAR-23-228). NIGMS encourages more applications with a focus on these priority areas, which are:

UPDATE: The video from this webinar are available.

We’re pleased to announce that the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT) has been reissued (PAR-24-252). IPERT supports innovative educational activities that equip participants at various career stages with the skills required for careers in the biomedical research workforce. NIGMS prioritizes programs that are open to participants nationwide.

First application due date: October 17, 2024
Earliest start date: July 2025

UPDATE: The video from this webinar is now available.

We’re pleased to announce that the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Bridges to the Doctorate (B2D) program has been reissued (PAR-24-232). This NOFO aims to promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained master’s students who transition into and complete biomedical Ph.D.s. NIGMS expects organizations to engage in outreach and recruitment activities to encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to participate in this program.

First application due date: September 27, 2024
Earliest start date: August 2025

We’re pleased to announce the creation of an online form for trainees to share feedback on NIGMS research education, training, and career development programs. We value this input as NIGMS refines its existing programs and develops new opportunities to meet emerging needs in biomedical research training.

The form, which can be completed anonymously, allows trainees to submit constructive comments—for example, to suggest program improvements or to recognize an outstanding program for its training and mentorship activities. NIGMS welcomes submissions from trainees across all educational and career stages.

You’ve determined that you’re conducting research related to the NIGMS mission and have found a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) you’d like to apply to. Now it’s time to craft your application.

There are many resources providing guidance on what to include in an NIH funding application. We recommend reviewing our grant writing webinar series, which discusses faculty readiness and submission considerations, as well as determining whether a funding opportunity is right for you and writing a competitive application. NIH’s Write Your Application webpage also includes valuable guidance.

UPDATE: The video from this webinar is now available.

We’re pleased to announce that the notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for the Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE; PAR-24-032) and Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD; PAR-24-031) programs have been reissued. These NOFOs aim to strengthen research training environments and promote broader participation in the biomedical research workforce by expanding the pool of well-trained scientists earning a Ph.D., for example, encouraging the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented groups (see Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity).

The new NOFOs have some changes from previous versions:

We’re pleased to announce the launch of the new web resource, Which Research Grant Is Right for Me? This interactive decision tree will be particularly useful for investigators who are new to or less familiar with NIGMS notices of funding opportunities that support research. Through a series of yes/no questions, potential applicants can identify the best potential fit to one or more of the major research project grant types we support, including R35, R16, R15, and R01.

The questions work through the eligibility criteria for the different award types. For example: