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National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)

National Institutes of Health

Document Type:	Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number:	PAR-23-228
Funding Opportunity Title:	National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32)
Opportunity Category:	Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
Funding Instrument Type:	Grant
Category of Funding Activity:	Health
Category Explanation:
Expected Number of Awards:
Assistance Listings:	93.859 -- Biomedical Research and Research Training
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:	No

Version:	Synopsis 2
Posted Date:	Oct 05, 2023
Last Updated Date:	Mar 31, 2025
Original Closing Date for Applications:	Sep 25, 2026
Current Closing Date for Applications:	Sep 25, 2026
Archive Date:	Oct 31, 2026
Estimated Total Program Funding:
Award Ceiling:	$
Award Floor:	$

Additional Information

Agency Name:

National Institutes of Health

Description:

The goal of the NIGMS Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program is to develop a pool of well-trained scientists available to address the Nations biomedical research agenda. Specifically, this funding opportunity announcement provides support to eligible, domestic institutions to develop and implement effective, evidence-informed approaches to biomedical graduate training and mentoring that will keep pace with the rapid evolution of the biomedical research enterprise. NIGMS expects that the proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, and career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Importance of the research (Significance + Innovation) (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For most NIH Research Project Grants submitted under the current simplified review framework, reviewers first evaluate the importance of the research, combining:

Significance of the scientific problem
Innovation
Potential to advance biomedical knowledge
Potential to improve human health
Addressing important knowledge gaps

Projects that solve important biomedical problems with innovative approaches receive the strongest scores.

2. Scientific rigor and feasibility (Approach) (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The Approach (now incorporated into the Rigor and Feasibility factor for many NIH RPGs) is widely regarded as the single most influential component.

Competitive proposals include:

Strong experimental design
Clearly defined Specific Aims
Appropriate statistical analysis
Rigorous methodology
Reproducibility
Risk mitigation strategies
Realistic milestones
Feasible timeline

Weak methodology is one of the most common reasons for poor NIH scores.

3. High overall scientific impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

NIH reviewers ultimately assign an Overall Impact Score, reflecting the likelihood that the project will exert a sustained, powerful influence on its field.

Reviewers consider:

Scientific importance
Innovation
Rigor
Feasibility
Investigator expertise
Research environment
Additional review criteria (when applicable)

Applications do not need to be perfect in every category to receive a strong overall impact score.

4. Outstanding investigator(s) and expertise (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers assess whether the research team has:

Appropriate expertise
Strong publication record
Relevant technical skills
Leadership experience
Ability to complete the proposed work

Under the current framework, investigator expertise contributes to the Expertise and Resources factor.

5. Strong research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications demonstrate access to:

Appropriate facilities
Core laboratories
Clinical infrastructure
Equipment
Collaborators
Institutional commitment

The research environment should clearly support successful completion of the project.

6. Innovation and originality (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

NIH strongly favors projects that:

Challenge existing paradigms
Introduce novel concepts
Develop new methodologies
Create new technologies
Open new areas of investigation

Incremental science is generally less competitive than research with the potential for transformative advances.

7. Alignment with the specific NIH Institute/Center and Funding Opportunity (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Successful applications closely match:

The mission of the assigned NIH Institute or Center
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Program priorities
Strategic initiatives

Even highly rated applications may not be funded if they do not fit programmatic priorities.

8. Appropriate treatment of additional review criteria (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Depending on the project, reviewers also consider:

Protection of human subjects
Inclusion across the lifespan
Inclusion of women and minorities (where applicable)
Vertebrate animal welfare
Biohazards
Clinical trial timelines

Although these items may not always receive separate numerical scores, deficiencies can negatively affect the overall impact score or funding eligibility.

9. Clear writing and persuasive grantsmanship (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Successful NIH proposals are characterized by:

Clear Specific Aims
Logical organization
Concise writing
Strong scientific rationale
Easy-to-follow figures and diagrams
Consistent narrative

Applications should be understandable to reviewers both within and adjacent to the applicant's field.

10. Realistic budget, project management, and compliance (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals include:

Well-justified budget
Appropriate project scope
Complete documentation
Compliance with NIH policies
Timely submission
Required institutional approvals

Budget requests should align with the scientific objectives and project duration.

Specialties

Biomedical Engineering

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

Private institutions of higher education
Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Small businesses
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
Independent school districts
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
State governments
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

Additional Information on Eligibility:

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: National Institutes of Health

Sponsor Type: Government/Federal

Address: 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892

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