Submission Opportunity: NIGMS Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) (T34) 2025
URL: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-24-138.html
OBJECTIVES:
The goal of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program is to promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained students who:
- Complete their baccalaureate degree, and
- Transition into and complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs (such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.).
Specifically, this funding announcement provides support to eligible, domestic organizations to develop and implement effective, evidence-informed approaches to biomedical undergraduate training and mentoring to support the development of a biomedical research workforce that will benefit from the full range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds needed to advance discovery.
NIGMS expects organizations to engage in outreach and recruitment activities to encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to participate in the program. The proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, and career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the nation.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not allow appointed trainees to lead an independent clinical trial but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.
FUNDING INFORMATION:
Application budgets should reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications submitted. Funding is for up to 5 years with eligibility for renewal.
See the Award Information section of the announcement for details about eligible expenses and amounts for trainee support.
ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS:
There are no specified limits to the number of applications from BU. However, there cannot be any overlaps with other NIGMS Training programs.
Faculty PIs should demonstrate the ability to promote authentic research experiences for undergraduates (for example, through recent publications or abstracts at external scientific meetings with undergraduates). Research areas of the participating faculty must fall within the NIH mission. When building a training team, programs should include faculty who are committed to training, mentoring, and providing supportive and inclusive research environments. Programs are encouraged to build a diverse team of preceptors/mentors
The applicant organization will select the trainees to be supported by the research training program. The individual to be trained must be a citizen or a noncitizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.
All trainees are required to pursue their research training full time, normally defined as 40 hours per week, or as specified by the sponsoring organization in accordance with its own policies. Appointments are normally made in 12-month increments, and no trainee may be appointed for less than 9 months during the initial period of appointment, except with prior approval of NIGMS.
INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:
Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 3/21/2025
- Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application
- 2-page Project Description providing an overview of the training program, including the mission, objectives, rationale, and program elements
- A brief budget outline
- Up-to-date CV or biosketch
As needed, a faculty committee drawn from both campuses will review internal proposals and select nominees.
DEADLINES:
Internal Materials Due: Friday, March 21, 2025 by 11:59 pm
Sponsor Deadline: Wednesday, May 28, 2025