NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training Program

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has announced the Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-26-033. This initiative supports the development and implementation of research training programs at domestic institutions that enroll undergraduate students in biomedical-related fields. The overarching goal is to strengthen research training environments and cultivate a diverse pool of well-trained students who complete their baccalaureate degrees and transition into biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. The BURT program focuses on providing comprehensive training environments that combine didactic coursework, authentic research experiences, mentoring, and career development. It offers two application tracks: the Single Site Track, which supports training at a single baccalaureate-granting institution, and the Community College Partnerships Track, which supports collaborative training efforts between associate-degree granting institutions (community colleges) and baccalaureate-degree granting institutions. Each training program must incorporate foundational research skills, mentored research experiences, collaboration and communication development, and career preparation aligned with biomedical research careers. Importantly, every trainee must participate in at least one Summer Research Experience (SRE), typically lasting eight weeks, to broaden their research training. Eligibility for this program is limited to domestic institutions that enroll undergraduates and have received less than $50 million per year in NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) funding (including direct and indirect costs) over the last three fiscal years. Community college partnerships must include at least one baccalaureate-degree granting institution. While trainees are not permitted to lead independent clinical trials, they may participate in trials led by mentors. Trainees must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must pursue full-time research training. The BURT program provides support for stipends, tuition, health insurance, travel for scientific meetings, and training-related expenses (TRE), which include items like staff salaries, research supplies, and program evaluation costs. Notably, the TRE funding rate is set at $12,500 per trainee per year, and the maximum number of trainees supported on any BURT award is 30. In addition, each trainee participating in an SRE is eligible for $4,000 in per diem funding and up to $750 in travel expenses. Indirect costs are capped at 8% of modified total direct costs. Applications must be submitted through one of three systems: NIH ASSIST, an institutional system-to-system solution, or Grants.gov Workspace. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applications are due on a recurring schedule with deadlines on February 25, May 25, September 25, and January 25 annually, through 2028. The earliest submission date for new applications is January 25, 2025. Awards may be granted for up to five years and are renewable. Applicants are expected to submit a full training program plan and follow NIH standard peer-review processes. Applications will be reviewed for alignment with the NOFO's objectives, including the quality of the training environment, research opportunities, mentoring practices, and institutional commitment. Applicants must provide letters of organizational eligibility and support, biographical sketches of key personnel, and required data tables summarizing training outcomes. The BURT program aims to support a wide range of organizations, including those in IDeA states, HBCUs, TCUs, and institutions with significant Pell Grant-eligible student populations.

Prioritize mentorship match quality, SRE planning, and rigorous training environments; ensure compliance with NIH application instructions.