National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32) | PAR 23 228

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 23 228

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity designed to strengthen PhD-level training in the basic biomedical sciences. The central aim is to build and sustain a diverse, highly trained workforce of scientists who are prepared to contribute to the United States biomedical research agenda. In practical terms, the program funds institutions to run structured, research-focused training programs that combine strong mentoring with modern, evidence-informed training practices, reflecting how quickly the biomedical research enterprise is changing in terms of methods, team science, data, and career pathways.

This opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-23-228) supports domestic, U.S.-based institutions in developing and implementing training models that go beyond traditional lab apprenticeship alone. NIGMS expects programs to integrate three major components: (1) didactic training, meaning thoughtful coursework and structured learning experiences that build foundational and emerging scientific knowledge; (2) immersive, high-quality research training that develops rigorous experimental and analytical skills; and (3) career and professional development that prepares trainees for a range of research-related careers where they can have a meaningful impact on the nation’s health-related research needs. A key emphasis is that these elements should be intentional, well-mentored, and aligned with best practices in graduate education rather than being ad hoc or solely dependent on individual labs.

Eligibility is broad within the United States and includes many types of organizations, reflecting NIH’s intent to support training capacity across varied institutional settings. Eligible applicants listed for this opportunity include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other applicants that meet NIH requirements. The announcement also highlights additional eligible categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); eligible federal agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; Hispanic-serving institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized; regional organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the announcement makes clear boundaries around foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, including foreign organizations and foreign institutions, are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply under this program. Put simply, the applicant organization and the supported training program activities must be based in the United States and its eligible jurisdictions.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health funding activity area, administered by the NIH under CFDA number 93.859. The opportunity was created on October 5, 2023, and lists an original closing date of September 25, 2026. The notice does not provide an award ceiling or an expected number of awards in the provided source text, which typically means applicants should consult the full funding opportunity announcement and NIH policy guidance for budget structure, allowable costs, trainee-related expenses, and program expectations.

Overall, this T32 mechanism is intended to help institutions build robust, forward-looking graduate training environments in basic biomedical science, with a strong focus on mentoring quality, structured professional development, and inclusive practices that broaden participation and prepare trainees to succeed across the evolving landscape of biomedical research.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.859.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-10-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-25. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 23 228

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