Maximizing Access to Research Careers (T34 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 21 147

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 147

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program (T34, Clinical Trial Not Allowed), offered through the National Institutes of Health with administration by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), is designed to strengthen the pipeline of undergraduate students who go on to earn research-focused doctoral degrees in biomedical fields. The central aim is to build a larger and more diverse pool of trainees who not only complete their bachelors degrees, but also successfully transition into and finish rigorous higher degree programs such as a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. In practical terms, the program is about giving undergraduates a structured, high-quality research training environment early enough that they develop the skills, confidence, mentoring relationships, and professional direction needed to persist into advanced biomedical research careers.

This funding opportunity (PAR-21-147) provides grant support for institutions to create or enhance undergraduate research training programs that are grounded in evidence-based training and mentoring practices and that keep pace with how quickly the biomedical research enterprise is evolving. Applicants are expected to propose a coherent training plan that blends several components rather than relying on a single experience. NIGMS anticipates programs will include formal instructional or didactic elements (for example, coursework or workshops focused on scientific thinking, responsible conduct, or other research-relevant skills), meaningful research experiences where students actively participate in research projects, strong mentoring structures that connect trainees with committed faculty and near-peer mentors, and career development activities that help students understand graduate training pathways and prepare competitive applications. The overall emphasis is on preparing participants to thrive in research-intensive, graduate-level biomedical environments.

A key feature of this opportunity is that it is limited to training programs located at research-intensive institutions. Specifically, institutions must meet a funding threshold defined in the announcement: a 3-year average of NIH Research Project Grant support at or above 7.5 million dollars in total costs. This requirement is meant to ensure that funded programs operate in environments with robust NIH-funded research activity and infrastructure, which can provide trainees with access to high-quality labs, research resources, and a strong community of active investigators.

Eligibility is restricted to domestic applicants. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible. Within the United States and its jurisdictions, a broad set of organizations can be eligible depending on the detailed FOA requirements. The opportunity lists eligible applicant types such as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, as well as certain nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits) and eligible tribal entities. The FOA also highlights categories of organizations that may apply, including 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, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (other than federally recognized), and U.S. territories or possessions. Because institutional eligibility can hinge on specific definitions and documentation, the announcement advises applicants to consult the full FOA for complete eligibility details.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the health funding category, associated with CFDA number 93.859. The original opportunity record shows a creation date of February 23, 2021, with an original closing date of May 26, 2023. The notice also states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning the supported activities are intended to be research training and career preparation rather than clinical trial execution. In short, MARC T34 supports institutions in building well-structured undergraduate training programs that combine research engagement, mentoring, and career development to help promising students progress into and complete biomedical research doctoral training.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Maximizing Access to Research Careers (T34 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" 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 2021-02-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-05-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), 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, Others.

Apply for PAR 21 147

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