The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has reissued the National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Training Grant (T32) titled “Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program.” This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based institutions in developing and implementing evidence-informed biomedical research training programs for predoctoral students. The overarching aim is to cultivate a well-trained cadre of scientists who can effectively contribute to the nation’s biomedical research enterprise. This opportunity emphasizes didactic coursework, mentored research, and professional development to ensure trainees are equipped with technical, operational, and professional competencies.

The purpose of this training program is to strengthen the pipeline of biomedical researchers by encouraging innovative approaches in graduate education. Funded programs are expected to develop a robust, inclusive, and safe research training environment that not only fosters technical expertise but also emphasizes scientific rigor, reproducibility, and ethical conduct. The NIGMS encourages applicants to propose curricular reforms and structural improvements that adapt to the evolving biomedical landscape, such as increased interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and data-driven research methods. The training must also support trainee career development across a broad array of career paths within the biomedical workforce.

This funding supports tuition, stipends, trainee travel, and training-related expenses such as health insurance and educational materials. Trainees typically receive support for one to two years early in their graduate careers. The grant is renewable for up to five years, and the application budget is not capped but must reflect actual program needs. Indirect costs are capped at 8 percent of modified total direct costs. Applicants must align proposed programs with one of twelve designated biomedical research areas. Each organization may hold only one T32 in a given area and must demonstrate programmatic and administrative distinction if they have multiple NIGMS T32 awards.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based public or private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), tribal governments, and select federal and U.S. territory agencies. Applicants must be domestic organizations, as foreign entities are not eligible. Trainees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a Ph.D. program. Programs must demonstrate institutional support and the ability to provide rigorous mentorship, academic oversight, and a research environment conducive to success.

Applications must be submitted electronically through one of several NIH-approved platforms, including ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. A letter of intent is not required. Applications are accepted on the NIH standard due dates of January 25, May 25, and September 25 each year until the opportunity expires on September 26, 2026. Early submission is encouraged to allow time for correcting submission errors. The program does not permit appointed trainees to lead independent clinical trials, although participation in mentor-led clinical trials is allowed.

Evaluation criteria include program structure and curriculum, oversight mechanisms, institutional support, career development efforts, and past trainee outcomes. Particular attention is given to safe, inclusive training environments and evidence-informed mentoring. Programs must conduct ongoing evaluations and disseminate findings, with data securely stored for continuity. Renewal applicants must also demonstrate progress, impact, and responsiveness to prior feedback. Applications undergo rigorous peer review based on overall impact and a detailed set of review criteria to ensure that they meet the highest standards of biomedical research training.