The goal of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers
(MARC) program is to develop a diverse pool of undergraduates who complete
their baccalaureate degree, and transition into and complete biomedical,
research-focused higher degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.). This
funding opportunity announcement (FOA) provides support to eligible, domestic
institutions to develop and implement effective, evidence-informed approaches
to biomedical training and mentoring that will keep pace with the rapid
evolution of the research enterprise. NIGMS expects that the proposed
research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, mentoring,
and career development elements to prepare trainees for the completion of
research-focused higher degree programs in biomedical fields. This program is
limited to applications from training programs at baccalaureate
degree-granting research-intensive institutions (i.e., those with an average
of NIH Research Project Grant funding greater than or equal to $7.5 million
total costs over the last 3 fiscal years).
Program Considerations NIGMS intends to fund applications that propose feasible academic
and research focused training programs that will enhance diversity in the biomedical
workforce. Applicants are expected to identify training objectives (i.e.,
specific, measurable, and obtainable outcomes the program intends to achieve)
and to develop plans to implement evidence-informed training and mentoring
activities that are grounded in the literature and from evaluations of existing
relevant programs. Program objectives must align with the overarching goal of
the MARC diversity enhancing program. Funded programs are expected to provide
evidence of accomplishing the training objectives in progress reports and when
applying for renewal, to make training and career outcomes publicly available,
and are strongly encouraged to disseminate successful training practices to the
broader community. Institutional commitment and support for the proposed training
program are important elements of the application. The MARC program may
complement and synergize with other ongoing federally-supported predoctoral
research training programs at the applicant institution (e.g., in the
development of skills needed for careers in the biomedical research workforce);
however, the MARC program goals and activities to achieve those goals must be
distinct from related programs currently receiving federal support at the same
institution. In cases where an institution has multiple NIGMS training
grants, it is expected that these programs will seek to create administrative and
training efficiencies to reduce costs and improve trainee services and
outcomes. The training grant should be well integrated within one or more department(s)/program(s)
and should exert a strong, positive influence on the development and execution
of the outreach and recruitment of potential trainees, curriculum, training opportunities,
and mentoring. Training grant funds may not be used solely as a vehicle to provide
stipends for trainees to conduct research. Training grants are usually awarded for five years. The
grant offsets the cost of stipends, tuition and fees, and training related expenses,
including health insurance, for the appointed trainees in accordance with the
approved NIH support levels. Trainees are typically provided full-time support for
two to three years of undergraduate studies. Use of training grant support in
the final three years of undergraduate research training is strongly encouraged
to allow for the participation in research, training, mentoring, professional
development, and cohort-building activities that will prepare the trainees to
successfully transition into a biomedical, research-focused higher degree program
(e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.). |