IMSD is a student development program for research-intensive institutions. The goal of the program is to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral research who complete Ph.D. degrees in these fields. The program offers an opportunity to develop new or expand existing effective academic developmental programs, including student research internships, in order to prepare students from underrepresented groups for competitive research careers and leadership positions in the biomedical or behavioral sciences.
IMSD grants are institutional awards. Applications may be submitted by domestic public/state institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education that have a significant number of mentors with NIH or other extramural research support. The institution must award the baccalaureate and/or doctoral degree in the biomedical or behavioral sciences with a significant number of full-time matriculated students from groups underrepresented in these fields.
An applicant institution may apply for and hold only one IMSD grant. The total requested project period for these awards may not exceed 4 years. Direct costs are limited to $350,000 annually for institutions with programs primarily for baccalaureate degree students and $550,000 annually for programs that include a significant Ph.D. student component. Awards are renewable.
While there are no budgetary caps for this award, all requested costs must be reasonable, well documented, and fully justified and commensurate with the scope of the proposed program. The applicants should also note the NIH policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-004.html) on $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year, and must carry out the following steps:
- Contact the IC program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application, i.e., as you are developing plans for the study;
- obtain agreement from the IC staff that the IC will accept your application for consideration for award; and,
- include a cover letter with the application that identifies the staff member and IC who agreed to accept assignment of the application.
For additional information about IMSD awards, see the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, September 19, 2006 (PAR-06-553), or call Dr. Alberto Rivera-Rentas at 301-594-3900.
IMSD Supplemental Instructions for Noncompeting Progress Report
IMSD Participating Institutions
IMSD Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
