The Tribal Undergraduate to Graduate Research Training and Leadership Experiences (TURTLE) Program (UE5/T32), supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and administered through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), aims to address health disparities affecting American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations by cultivating a workforce of research scientists. This initiative offers phased funding to eligible tribal entities to develop and implement comprehensive training programs designed to prepare students for biomedical research careers, with a focus on AI/AN health research conducted in an ethically responsible, culturally sensitive, and rigorous manner. The program seeks to support trainees through doctoral programs across U.S. institutions, emphasizing skills development in technical, operational, and professional areas.

Funding is available through a cooperative agreement for up to seven years: two years for the development phase (UE5) and five years for the training phase (T32). During the UE5 phase, entities will focus on hiring personnel, developing administrative capacity, creating educational and mentoring frameworks, and establishing partnerships with doctoral institutions. The subsequent T32 phase will provide funding for trainee stipends, tuition, and training-related expenses, supporting an average of 10 trainees annually for up to four years each. The program’s goals include recruiting diverse, research-oriented individuals and fostering a community of mentors to guide students through their academic and professional journeys.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, tribal colleges or universities, tribal health programs, or other tribal organizations. These entities are responsible for administering the training funds, ensuring oversight of trainee support, and providing supplemental training activities. Partnerships with Ph.D.-granting institutions are encouraged to strengthen the pipeline of trainees. Applicants must adhere to rigorous registration and compliance requirements, including registering with the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov.

Applications are evaluated based on their ability to meet program milestones during the UE5 phase, including hiring qualified personnel, creating effective recruitment strategies, and developing robust training and mentoring plans. Successful transition to the T32 phase depends on NIH administrative review of these accomplishments. For both phases, applicants must demonstrate plans for trainee tracking, program evaluation, and dissemination of best practices. The NIH provides detailed guidance and expects applicants to submit annual progress reports and financial updates.

Key dates include an open application submission beginning December 27, 2024, with deadlines on January 27 of 2025, 2026, and 2027. Applications must be submitted via NIH’s ASSIST system or Grants.gov. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit early to resolve any errors or submission issues. The earliest anticipated award start dates are in December of each corresponding year.

This funding opportunity addresses significant gaps in AI/AN health research and education by promoting the development of culturally competent biomedical researchers. The program also seeks to foster collaborations that increase research capacity within tribal entities, thereby advancing the NIH’s mission to reduce health disparities and promote health equity among AI/AN populations.