Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) (T32) | PAR 19 037

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 19 037

The Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) (T32) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) training grant opportunity, administered through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), focused on strengthening the Ph.D. training pipeline in biomedical research. Its central purpose is to help institutions build and run high-quality, evidence-based training and mentoring programs that produce a diverse group of Ph.D. scientists who are well prepared to move into the biomedical research workforce. The program is framed around a long-term national goal: increasing diversity among biomedical research scientists so that the workforce better reflects the Nation and is equipped to tackle a wide range of health-related research needs.

The opportunity supports structured institutional training programs rather than individual fellowships. Applicants are expected to design training environments that keep pace with the rapidly changing research enterprise, meaning programs should be intentional, modern, and grounded in approaches that are shown to work. NIGMS indicates that strong IMSD programs typically integrate three major components: didactic training (coursework and structured learning that builds foundational and emerging scientific competencies), hands-on research experiences (rigorous research engagement under strong mentorship), and career development activities (professional skills, career exploration, and preparation for successful transitions into biomedical research careers). The underlying idea is that trainees should not only gain technical research expertise, but also develop the broader competencies and professional readiness needed for long-term impact in health-related research fields.

Eligibility is a major defining feature of this FOA. The IMSD (T32) described here is limited to training programs housed at research-intensive institutions. Specifically, eligible programs must be at institutions with a three-year average of NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) funding at or above $7.5 million in total costs, which is used as a threshold to ensure the institution has a robust research environment and sustained NIH-funded activity. While the FOA is restricted to domestic (U.S.) applicant institutions, it also highlights that a variety of U.S.-based organizational types may apply when they meet the program requirements. These include, among others, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the announcement clearly states that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible.

From the administrative details provided, this is a discretionary grant mechanism with activity in the health category and is associated with CFDA number 93.859. The funding opportunity title is "Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) (T32)," and the funding opportunity number is PAR-19-037. The sponsoring agency is NIH, with the opportunity created on October 25, 2018, and an original closing date listed as November 20, 2020. The source text does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, which suggests applicants would need to consult the full FOA and NIH guidance for budget structure, allowable costs, trainee slots, and other award parameters typical of T32 institutional training grants.

Overall, the IMSD (T32) program is aimed at institutions that can demonstrate both a strong research base and a thoughtful, evidence-informed plan for training and mentoring Ph.D. scientists. The emphasis is on comprehensive training design, measurable preparation for career transitions, and sustained contributions to diversifying the biomedical research workforce in ways that align with national health-related research priorities.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) (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 2018-10-25.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-11-20. (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 19 037

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