NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training Program

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled "NIGMS Institutional Biomedical Undergraduate Research Training Program" (Opportunity Number: FOR-GM-26-002). This initiative falls under the broader NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program, which is aimed at ensuring the availability of a highly trained scientific workforce in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research to meet the nation's ongoing health needs. The specific focus of this program is to support the training of undergraduate students in biomedical research and facilitate their transition into higher-level degree programs such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs. The program will support institutions of higher education that are committed to creating strong, research-focused environments for undergraduates. These institutions may include both baccalaureate-degree granting colleges and universities, as well as partnerships that include associate-degree granting institutions such as community colleges. The training program must provide comprehensive and rigorous research training experiences to undergraduate students over a period of two to three years. It is designed to enhance the research capabilities and preparation of students for advanced degree programs in biomedical science. The anticipated structure of funded programs includes three main components: didactic learning, hands-on research experience, and career development support. These components are intended to collectively prepare students for successful careers in research that address the nation’s biomedical challenges. Although specific guidance on spending rules is not provided in the forecast, standard NIH grant parameters and the emphasis on research training suggest that funds are to be used for trainee support, faculty development, and institutional infrastructure to sustain training environments. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to public and private institutions of higher education. The opportunity is open to institutions nationwide with no stated geographical restrictions or designated regional preferences. Eligible applicants must have modest levels of existing NIH research project grant support, reinforcing the goal of expanding training opportunities to institutions that may not currently serve as major NIH grantees. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this grant. According to the forecasted schedule, the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to be posted on October 1, 2025. The application due date is January 25, 2026. The anticipated award and project start date is October 1, 2026, and the program is intended to support activities in Fiscal Year 2027. As this is a forecast, these dates are subject to change. The program is not accepting applications at this time, and no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers have been disclosed in the forecast. Interested applicants seeking more information about this opportunity are encouraged to contact Dr. Behrous Davani at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. He can be reached at 301-496-1058 or via email at behrous.davani@nih.gov.