The purpose of the Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) program is to fund federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes, Tribal Colleges or Universities, Tribal health programs, or Tribal organizations (collectively termed, eligible Tribal Entities) to develop a pool of scientists to conduct research on Tribal health and health disparities. The overall goal is to support the development of individuals who have the technical, operational, and professional skills required to conduct Tribal health research in a culturally appropriate, ethically responsible and rigorous manner, to complete their degrees in a biomedical field, and to transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce.

No. There are two “tracks” for TURTLE. Tribal Entities can apply to either or both of the following notices of funding opportunity:

1. PAR-24-236: Undergraduate TURTLE Program (UE5/T34)
2. PAR-24-235: Graduate TURTLE Program (UE5/T32)

Eligible organizations will submit an application to the desired track (UE5/T34 or UE5/T32). The transition to the T34 or T32 phase is not automatic and is contingent upon satisfactory progress towards achieving the UE5 milestones, administrative review, and the availability of funds.

The applicant organization must meet one of the following criteria:

• A federally recognized AI/AN Tribe, as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603(14); or
• A Tribal college or university, a Tribal health program, or a Tribal organization as defined under 25 U.S.C. 1603 (24), (25), and (26), respectively; or
• A consortium of two or more of these Tribal Entities.

Yes. They can establish any needed partnership with bachelor's degree granting organizations.

The partnership organization is expected to provide administrative guidance and support to the Tribal Entity, particularly during the initial research capacity-building phase of the award (UE5). When the T phase of the award begins, the partnership organization may serve as a resource in different ways, for example by facilitating access to research laboratories and identifying research mentors to support student projects. Notwithstanding this supportive role, primary authority over the research grant should remain with the Tribal Entity to safeguard its autonomy in managing the program.

The transition to the T34 or T32 phase of funding is not automatic and is contingent upon satisfactory progress towards achieving the UE5 milestones, administrative review, and the availability of funds. NIGMS will provide detailed instructions about transition applications to UE5 recipients approximately six months prior to the end of the UE5 award period. The transition application is reviewed internally by NIH staff.

For estimating the budget of the T34 or T32 phase, applicants should include information on the number of training positions (trainees) anticipated to be appointed and the number of years each will be supported. It is anticipated that each funded TURTLE program will support on average 10 trainees per year during the training phase. Please see the NOFO for more detailed information on estimating the budget.

The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.