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NIGMS supports basic biomedical research that contributes to the understanding of fundamental cellular and physiological principles. General areas of interest include cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, biomedical technology, bioinformatics and computational biology. The material below provides details on these areas.
Bioinformatics applications should develop or use new methods and approaches for managing, visualizing, and analyzing complex biomedical data; or use data science methods and tools to deduce information about biological systems.
Veerasamy Ravichandran Email: veerasamy.ravichandran@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Paul Brazhnik, Ph.D. Email: brazhnikp@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Biostatistics areas of interest include development of advanced statistical techniques and methodologies for design of biological experiments, collection and analysis of the data from those experiments and interpretation of, and inference from, the results. The scope of studies ranges from those focused-on sequencing, mass spectrometry, bioimaging and other high-through-put techniques in data to medicine, pharmacology, and populational studies.
Computational biology applications should develop new approaches, algorithms, and mathematical and numerical methods for an integrative understanding of biomedical systems and could span temporal and spatial domains. Of interest are development of computational and mathematical algorithms and tools, modeling techniques and approaches for understanding the complexity of biological systems, and utilization of big datasets and data science methods for model construction. The scope of the systems covered ranges from cellular to tissue, organ, systems studies, and up to populational dynamics. This includes gene, protein and metabolic networks, cellular architecture and intracellular dynamics, cell communication and motility, cell division and differentiation, tissue formation and organogenesis, tissue and organ functions, changes in population characteristics as a consequence of interaction of organisms with their physical environment, with individuals of their own species, and with organisms of other species.
Development of new or improved instruments, methods, and related software for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of biomedically relevant molecules, including biopolymers, metabolites, and macromolecular complexes. Relevant technologies and methods include sample handling, separations, mass spectrometry, microarrays, nuclear magnetic resonance, surface plasmon resonance, radionuclides and stable isotopes, optical and vibrational spectroscopy, flow-based systems, and computational tools for data interpretation, curation, and mining. Bioanalytical technology development also includes hardware, software, and methods for the identification and analysis of proteins and their post-translational modifications, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other metabolites, proteomics, glycomics, metabolomics.
Joe Gindhart, Ph.D. Email: gindhartjg@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
These centers create critical, often unique, technology and methods at the forefront of their respective fields and apply them to a broad range of basic, translational, and clinical research. This occurs through a synergistic interaction of technical and biomedical expertise, both within the centers and in intensive collaborations with other leading laboratories. The centers represent a critical mass of technological and intellectual capacity with a strong focus on service and training for the outside research community, as well as providing access to and dissemination of technologies, methods, and software.
Paul Sammak, Ph.D. Email: paul.sammak@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Areas of interest include new or improved tools and methods to directly manipulate or investigate cells and their environment. Includes methods for delivery of molecules and nanoparticles into cells, transport between cellular compartments, and in situ imaging from organelles to cells.
Development of new or improved instruments, methods, and related software for the elucidation of 3D structures of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes. Relevant technologies cover areas of sample handling; x-ray diffraction; other x-ray techniques; magnetic resonance such as NMR, EPR and ESR; microscopic techniques that resolve at the molecular level, such as single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Computational tools for data collection, processing, interpretation, curation, and mining.
Mary Ann Wu, Ph.D. Email: maryann.wu@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Research on the mechanisms of assembly, structure, and function of cellular ultra structures larger than a few million Daltons and dependent on high levels of molecular organization. These include large cellular machines such as the ribosome, spliceosome, cytoskeletal structures, interactions between intracellular and extracellular matrix components, signaling networks that depend on large scale interactions, when studied primarily by multiple methods and/or by methods that are not routine, such as single particle cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, scanning probe microscopy and other force transduction methods.
Paula Flicker, Ph.D. Email: flickerp@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Research involving the application of physical principles to the study of viral attachment, fusion/penetration, uncoating, assembly, and budding/release. Areas of research include: analysis of virus-host interactions; phage and viral packaging; the structure and mechanism of assemblies from viral and host components; and the determination of factors and energetics that regulate protein-nucleic acid interactions necessary for virion entry, packaging, maturation, and release.
Michael Sakalian, Ph.D. Email: sakalianm@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
General principles of membrane structure and function including behavior of lipids, bilayers, and other lipid phases; membrane protein structure and function, including folding, assembly, dynamics, and general mechanisms of action, conformational changes and energy coupling; membrane protein-lipid interactions, effects of lipid compositions and phase separated domains; physical studies of fusion, fission, and deformation processes; as studied through the application of primarily biophysical methods and approaches.
Peter C. Preusch, Ph.D. Email: preuschp@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Research involving the application of physical principles to the study of nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes. Areas of research include: physical and chemical studies of nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes; analysis of protein-nucleic acid interactions and assembly mechanisms; ligand-nucleic acid interactions; development of physical, chemical, and theoretical/computational techniques for the analysis of nucleic acids and their complexes.
Biophysical studies of all aspects of protein structure and function in which the goal is to elucidate general principles, primarily by experimental methods, but may involve established computational methods and/or confirmatory in vivo studies. Included are studies that establish the physical and thermodynamic basis for native structure; protein-protein interactions, and protein-ligand recognition; protein de novo design and engineering. Experimental studies of protein folding; protein folding mechanisms and kinetics. Experimental studies of intrinsically disordered proteins; folding upon binding, protein aggregation, and phase separations. The role of structural dynamics in protein function, folding, and allosteric control.
Michele McGuirl, Ph.D. Email: mcguirlma@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Includes theoretical, computational, and physics-based studies of the fundamental behaviors of atoms to molecules and their interactions. This would include predominantly theoretical and computational studies in the following areas: quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations; thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; basic principles of molecular recognition, development and validation of force fields and scoring functions, and algorithms for prediction of molecular properties; macromolecule-ligand binding predictions by docking and other in silico screening methods applicable to drug design; predictions of protein and other macromolecular structures; and studies in macromolecular design, protein folding, RNA folding, molecular interactions, membrane and membrane protein simulations, phase separations, aggregation, and complex formation.
Peter Lyster, Ph.D. Email: lysterpe@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
This portfolio comprises SBIR/STTR projects of general interest to the Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences. These projects are notable for their general pertinence to basic science issues and broad applicability of the proposed developments.
Dmitriy Krepkiy, Ph.D. Email: krepkiyd@mail.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Regulation of cell death pathways, autophagy, and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Areas of interest include macro and selective autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, and metabolic and protein homeostasis.
Jianhua Xu, Ph.D.Email: jianhua.xu@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Tanya Hoodbhoy, Ph.D.Email: tanyahmail.@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Processes that control migratory cell behaviors. Examples include bacterial chemotaxis and adhesion-based mechanotransduction signaling mechanisms.
Jianhua Xu, Ph.D. Email: jianhua.xu@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Establishment of cellular polarity and cell shape. The study of biomechanical forces and processes. Examples include epithelial topogenesis, yeast bud site selection, cell protrusions, positioning of organelles, mechanotransduction, and cell shape changes.
The cellular physiology of chaperones, proteosomes, and protein quality control pathways. Cellular responses and management of misfolded proteins, such as the unfolded protein response and other stress responses.
Andre Phillips, Ph.D. Email: andre.phillips@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Cellular decision processes and intracellular signaling pathway dynamics, growth initiation, proliferation, cell senescence, terminal differentiation, sporulation, and chemotaxis regulation.
Processes that regulate endocytosis and the endo-lysosomal network. Studies of the function and biogenesis of endosomes, lysosomes, and lysosome-related organelles, and how membranes and proteins are recycled.
Shawn Gaillard, Ph.D. Email: shawn.gaillard@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Investigations into the assembly of mitotic and meiotic spindle apparatus components. Areas of interest include kinetochore functions, spindle assembly checkpoints, centrosomes, and chromosome attachment and movement.
General studies of membrane biology. Examples include membrane biogenesis, protein targeting and anchoring, and nuclear import and export. Research on fat-related organelles (e.g. lipid droplets, peroxisomes) and studies of lipid homeostasis.
Focus is on the cytoskeleton and cytoskeleton-associated proteins. Areas of interest include the transport of cargoes by motor proteins, and specialized cytoskeletal-based structures like cilia, eukaryotic flagella, and basal bodies.
Alexandra Ainsztein, Ph.D. Email: ainsztea@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
The processing and intracellular trafficking of proteins for export and the biogenesis of the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum.
Structure, function, and regulation of chromosomes. Examples include higher order chromosome architecture, telomeres, centromeres, and large-scale programmed genome rearrangements.
Bob Coyne, Ph.D. Email: robert.coyne@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Mechanisms of gene activation and repression. Examples include roles of chromatin and large protein-DNA complexes; interactions of DNA with nonhistone proteins; epigenetic factors influencing gene expression such as histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, position effects, imprinting, X-inactivation, and gene silencing.
Anthony Carter, Ph.D. Email: cartera@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Regulation of early events in normal development prior to organ formation. Emphasis is on non-mammalian systems. Examples of developmental processes include cell and tissue polarization, collective cell migration, pattern formation, and morphogenetic changes during gastrulation and body axis extension. NIGMS’s support of neurodevelopment ends at the initial morphogenesis of the neural tube; it does not include subsequent brain and spinal cord regionalization, nor neuronal subtype specification/diversification.
Tanya Hoodbhoy, Ph.D. Email: tanyah@mail.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Ethical, legal and social issues in genetics, especially as they relate to the use of stored human tissues for research and to studies on ethnically identifiable populations.
Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D. Email: dkras@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Genetic, molecular and/or genomic characterization of simple and complex behaviors in non-human research organisms. The focus is on neural function, not neural development. Also, the characterizationof circadian rhythms, sleep, and related phenomena in non-human systems, with an emphasis on invertebrates, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
Michael Sesma, Ph.D. Email: msesma@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
The genetic, physiological, and ecological mechanisms governing relationships between microbes. How the microbiota responds at the community, population, organismal, or molecular level to maintain homeostasis or responds to dysbiosis of the host.
Investigations into pathways that underlie adaptive responses to fluctuating environmental conditions. This includes phenotypic plasticity. How research organisms respond to nutrient availability, parasitism, temperature, oxygen levels, pH, light, gravity, antibiotics, toxins, or metal ions.
Shawn D. Gaillard, Ph.D. Email: shawn.gaillard@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Genetics of natural and laboratory populations. Evolutionary topics include genetic variation in complex traits in humans and research organisms, chromosome evolution, phenotypic evolution and speciation, evolution of development, host-pathogen evolution and other co-adapting systems. Also, statistical methods and mathematical models for evolutionary and population genetic analysis. NIGMS does not support research on evolutionary development of organs or organ systems, nor studies of ecology outside of the Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease Program that is jointly offered with the National Science Foundation.
Daniel Janes, Ph.D. Email: janesde@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
The basic biology, biochemistry, genetics, epigenetics, and cellular organization of stem cells. Included are embryonic, germline, induced pluripotent, and tissue-specific stem cells from humans and research organisms. Emphasis is on pluripotency maintenance and self-renewal, properties that distinguish stem cells from differentiated cells, nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells, and regulation of asymmetric cell division of stem and progenitor cells.
Regeneration topics include genetic, molecular, and/or genomic regulation of tissue and organ regeneration in non-human systems, including plants, with a particular interest in non-mammalian research organisms.
For germline stem cells and regeneration, contact:
Desirée Salazar, Ph.D. Email: desiree.salazar@nih.govBiographical Sketch
For all other stem cell work, contact:
Kenneth Gibbs, Ph.D. Email: kenneth.gibbs@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Mechanisms of genome instability, including large scale chromosomal changes, gross chromosomal rearrangements, and aneuploidy; effects of non-telomeric chromatin on chromosomal and genomic stability; mutational mechanisms, including base insertions, expansion via slippage/repetitive sequences, and transposition; maintenance of genome integrity during meiosis.
Andrea Keane-Myers, Ph.D. Email: Andrea.Keane-Myers@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Enzymes and mechanisms of DNA replication and repair, including by both replicative and non-replicative mechanisms; replication stress and fork repair; regulation of DNA repair, including factors that favor the action of one repair pathway over another; replication through chromatin; transcription-induced DNA damage.
Michael Reddy, Ph.D. Email: reddymk@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
A gene regulatory network (GRN) is a set of genes, gene modifications or parts of genes, that interact in a coordinated manner with each other to control a specific cell function. Gene regulatory networks are involved in development, differentiation and responding to environmental cues. GRNs can act at the level of transcription, translation or a combination.
This portfolio includes research on the study of the networks and the interacting genes and regulators.
Investigations of genetic mechanisms that determine human phenotypes. Genetic studies employing research organisms relevant to a human phenotype, genetic and environmental factors that influence common disorders and phenotypes with complex inheritance, and computational and statistical approaches to the analysis of genetic variation influencing human phenotypes.
Structure, function, and metabolism of cytoplasmic mRNA. Control of gene expression at the level of translation, including RNA editing, mRNA stability, and nonsense-mediated decay.
For RNA editing, RNA methylation, or nonsense-mediated decay, contact:
Michael Bender, Ph.D. Email: mbender@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
For all other areas, contact:
Ronald Adkins, Ph.D. Email: Ronald.Adkins@nih.govBiographical Sketch
The mechanics of protein synthesis. Areas of interest include synthesis, structure and function of components of the translation system, namely tRNA, rRNA, ribosomal proteins, and initiation and termination factors.
Anissa J. Brown, Ph.D. Email: anissa.brown@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Mechanisms of production and regulation of regulatory RNAs including siRNAs, microRNAs, piRNAs, CRISPR RNAs and related non-coding RNAs. Function of regulatory RNA including effects on mRNA stability or translation.
All manner of processing of RNA species including the full-range of RNA splicing mechanisms. Also, the formation, structure, function, and regulation of spliceosomal precursors and components, and intranuclear transport of RNA.
Investigations into the macromolecular interactions that mediate or regulate transcription. Included are strategies and techniques for identifying molecules and sequences involved in regulating transcription at a global level.
Ronald Adkins, Ph.D. Email: ronald.adkins@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Energy transducing enzymes of the mitochondrial inner and outer membranes, chloroplasts, and microorganisms; electron transport, photosynthesis, including biogenesis of cofactors and substrate transport.
Charles Ansong, Ph.D. Email: charles.ansong@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Engineering technologies to produce useful biological materials. Mixture of physical and genetic engineering to create new biological entities and systems, or redesign of naturally occurring systems.
Michelle R. Bond, Ph.D. Email: bondmr@mail.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Technology development for basic biomedical research, including engineering tools and materials for applications at the molecular level. Development of chemical tools, such as probes, polymers, and nanostructured assemblies for potential use in biological systems and medical applications.
Kadir Aslan, Ph.D. Email: kadir.aslan@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Development of catalytic reactions, including transition metal catalysis, organocatalysis, photochemical and electrochemical reactions.
Jiong Yang, Ph.D. Email: jiong.yang@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Patrick Brown, Ph.D. Email: patrick.brown@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Design, synthesis, and testing of novel small molecule probes that target specific biological entities and pathways intended for the study of biological function. Includes development and approaches with docking libraries and screens.
Miles A. Fabian, Ph.D. Email: fabianm@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Jiong Yang, Ph.D. Email: fabianm@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Individual enzyme mechanisms, regulation, modification, and inhibition to understand the catalytic specificity of synthesis, modification, or degradation of metabolites and macromolecules.
Oleg Barski, Ph.D. Email: oleg.barski@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Mechanisms of enzyme complexes that interact with DNA and RNA; focused on catalysis and sequence recognition, topology, and transformation of nucleic acids. (Genome-specific processes of recombination, replication, transcription, are assigned to GMCDB.)
Carbohydrate-containing macromolecules with an emphasis on carbohydrates and their binding partner(s). Includes sugar transporters and carrier lipids, glycan processing enzymes, protein:glycan mediated interactions, and peptidoglycans.
Functions and mechanisms of metalloenzymes (containing Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, W). Includes design and characterization of bioinorganic catalysts and biomimetic complexes.
Identification and study of substances produced by living organisms that may form the foundation for therapeutic development. Analysis of organisms and their environments through the study of genetic information and biosynthetic pathways. Includes molecules produced and altered in microbial communities such as the human microbiome.
Development of novel chemical reactions toward the design and synthesis of peptides, nucleic acids, oligomers, and biopolymers as regulators and reporters of biological function. Includes the development of novel chemical reactions occurring inside of living systems.
Metabolic pathways and information flow; includes studies of transient intermediates and stable multi-enzyme complexes, and how catalytic processes and fluxes are affected by the intracellular milieu.
Pathways responsible for generation or decomposition of reactive species (O, N, S), and the modification of cellular constituents by oxidative stressors; chemistry and maintenance of cellular redox balance.
Small business (SBIR) and tech transfer (STTR) grants in Biochemistry and Bio-related Chemistry.
Development of reagents and new synthetic methods. Includes theoretical studies of reaction mechanisms and computational approaches.
Design, synthesis and testing of complex molecules based upon natural products that modulate biochemical processes of potential clinical relevance. Includes methods for the synthesis of natural and unnatural carbohydrates, and design and assemblies of supramolecular structures as mimics of natural processes.
Michelle R. Bond, Ph.D. (Carbohydrate Chemistry) Email: bondmr@mail.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Regulation of trace metal ions (e.g., Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, W), their transport and intracellular concentrations and speciation, metal ion chaperones, and metal ion ionophores. Includes restriction of metal ion availability as a therapeutic intervention.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune cell (T cells, B cells) functions in the adaptive immune response.
Sailaja Koduri, Ph.D. Email: sailaja.koduri@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Mechanisms and systemic effects of anesthesia including general, regional, and local anesthetics. Includes sedation in the intensive care setting, pain control and studies of consciousness related to anesthesia and the peri-operative period.
Zuzana Justinova, Ph.D. Email: zuzana.justinova@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Temporal and spatial signaling within cells, including calcium fluxes, diffusion, and pumps; regulation of signaling molecules by compartmentalization within organelles, and cellular sinks and releasing proteins.
Zhongzhen Nie, Ph.D. Email: niezhong@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
G protein-coupled receptors and cell surface receptors for drugs, endogenous ligands, and other stimuli; purpose is to understand basic biology and/or for validation as potential therapeutic targets.
Drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, including drug-drug and nutrient interactions, toxicity and adverse effects. Includes pharmacokinetics, dynamics and genetics.
Martha C. Garcia Ph.D. Email: Martha.garcia@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of innate immune and inflammatory responses related to the host response to injury. Includes basic studies that underlie patient responses at the systemic level in critical illness.
Xiaoli Zhao, Ph.D. Email: xiaoli.zhao@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Responses to injury (traumatic, thermal, or surgical) and shock, in post-injury period to acute phase through long-term effects, until recovery or mortality. Includes inflammatory and immune responses, hypermetabolism, and prediction of body-wide recovery.
Molecular pathways for signal transduction and regulation within cells, including second messengers such as kinases, phosphatases, adapter proteins, lipid messengers, phospholipases and others (excluding calcium). Includes intracellular nuclear and cytosolic receptors.
Pore-forming proteins specialized for ions (Na, K, Cl), ligand and voltage-gated, found at cell surface and organelle membranes. Includes ion channel blockers such as venoms and toxins.
Scaffolding and functional components of cellular membranes and vesicles: structural lipids (e.g., cholesterol), integral proteins, and their modifications. Gap junctions and communications between cells.
Systemic biological responses to challenges spanning multiple organ systems, including the physiological consequences of circadian rhythms, nutritional requirements, and stress.
Edgardo Falcón-Morales, Ph.D. Email: edgardo.falcon@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Delivery systems for small and large molecules and biologics, including liposomes, dendrimers, viruses, chemical cages, and platforms/devices, with an emphasis on drug release and pharmacokinetics. (However, studies specific to a disease or an organ/system will be assigned to the institute focused on that mission.)
Small business (SBIR) and tech transfer (STTR) grants in Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences.
Severe sepsis and septic shock, with emphasis on the host's response rather than a presumptive causative microorganism or injury.
Processes underlying wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration.
Martha Garcia, Ph.D. Email: martha.garcia@nih.govBiographical Sketch
The IDeA program builds research capacity in states that historically have had low levels of NIH funding by supporting basic, clinical, and translational research, faculty development, and infrastructure improvements.
Ming Lei, Ph.D.Division Director Email: ming.lei@nih.govBiographical Sketch
This initiative supports partnerships between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribes or tribally based organizations and research-intensive academic institutions that conduct biomedical research.
This program seeks to increase the research competitiveness of faculty at institutions with limited NIH R01 funding that historically serve students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research.
This program is designed to improve national STEM literacy through innovative educational programs.
Tony Beck, Ph.D.Email: beckl@mail.nih.govBiographical Sketch
This initiative provides institutional support to partnerships between community colleges and colleges or universities that offer the baccalaureate degree to develop and implement well-integrated training activities that will increase students preparation and skills as they advance academically in the pursuit and successful completion of the baccalaureate degree in biomedical sciences.
Sydella Blatch, Ph.D.Email: sydella.blatch@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Shakira Nelson, Ph.D. Email: shakira.nelson@nih.govBiographical Sketch
This initiative provides institutional support to partnerships between institutions granting a terminal master's degree and institutions that offer Ph.D. degrees to develop well-integrated training activities that will increase students' preparation and skills as they advance academically in the pursuit and successful completion of the Ph.D. degree in biomedical sciences.
PAR-21-025
IMSD is a graduate student training program for institutions with research-intensive environments. Eligible institutions must have a 3-year average of NIH research project grant (RPG) funding greater than or equal to $7.5 million in total costs. The goal of the IMSD program is to develop a diverse pool of scientists earning a Ph.D., who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. The overarching objective of this institutional research training program is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained Ph.D. biomedical scientists.
Patrick H. Brown, Ph.D. Email: patrick.brown@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Shakira Nelson, Ph.D. Email: shakira.nelson@nih.govBiographical Sketch
BUILD is a set of experimental training awards designed to implement and study innovative and effective approaches to engaging and retaining students from diverse backgrounds in biomedical research and preparing students to become future contributors to the NIH-funded research enterprise. Consortium contact: Alison Gammie.
RFA-RM-13-016
Edgardo Falcón-Morales, Ph.D.Email: edgardo.falcon@nih.govBiographical Sketch
This initiative provides institutional support for the research training and education of recent baccalaureate graduates from population groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce, who plan to pursue Ph.D. degrees. This research apprenticeship serves as an educational transition for recent baccalaureate graduates who will acquire essential academic credentials and research skills to make them more competitive for Ph.D. programs at highly selective institutions.
Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE) (T32)PAR-19-102
Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) (T34)PAR-19-218
RISE is a training program that seeks to diversify the pool of students who complete a Ph.D. degree in biomedical research fields. By providing support to eligible, domestic institutions to develop and implement effective, evidence-based approaches to student training and mentoring, 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 Ph.D. programs in biomedical fields.
For RISE and U-RISE, contact:
Anissa J. Brown, Ph.D.Email: anissa.brown@nih.govBiographical Sketch
For G-RISE, contact:
Patrick Brown, Ph.D.Email: patrick.brown@nih.govBiographical Sketch
All requests for general information about training grants should be directed to:
Shiva Singh, Ph.D. Email:singhs@nigms.nih.govBiographical sketch
Behavioral-Biomedical Science Interface Programs should provide graduate research training for students at the behavioral sciences-biomedical sciences interface. The goal of the program is to develop basic behavioral scientists with rigorous broad-based training in the biomedical sciences who are available to assume leadership roles related to the Nation's biomedical research needs. These programs must provide an interdisciplinary research training experience and curriculum for predoctoral trainees that integrates both behavioral and biomedical perspectives, approaches and methodologies. Programs must include coursework, laboratory rotations and programmatic activities that reinforce training at this interface. Significant participation by faculty and leadership from both behavioral and biomedical science departments is required, as is co-mentoring of trainees by faculty from both components.
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Programs should train students in the background theory and biological application of information sciences (including computer science, statistics and mathematics) to problems relevant to biomedical research. Of particular interest are multiscale and large-scale problems in biology. Training should include the use of theory and computer application to the full spectrum of basic research in the biomedical sciences, including the analysis of molecular sequence and structure, molecular function, cellular function, physiology, genomics and genetics.
Veerasamy Ravichandran, Ph.D. Email: veerasamy.ravichandran@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Biostatistics Provides support for predoctoral training that integrates biostatistical theory and evolving methodologies with basic biomedical research including, but not limited to, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biology, cellular processes and physiology, as well as epidemiological and clinical studies. The goal is to ensure that a workforce of biostatisticians with a deep understanding of statistical theory and new methodologies is available to assume leadership roles related to the Nation's biomedical research needs.
Biotechnology This training program supports the education of graduate students in the techniques and principles needed to pursue research in biotechnology. The education should be multidisciplinary, but provide a firm grounding in one or more of the fields that contribute to biotechnology, such as engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, genetics and cell biology. Faculty trainers and students participating in this program should be drawn from several departments but with a focus on engineering. The trainers should be conducting research relevant to the understanding and utilization of biological processes for biotechnological applications. These programs are expected to provide holistic training that should include, besides scientific theoretical and practical knowledge, communications skills, career development, and an understanding of regulatory, commercialization and IP issues in bringing a biotechnology product to the market. The program requires a mandatory 3 month internship in pharmaceutical or biotechnological industry. A close interaction between academic and industrial partners is strongly recommended.
Cellular, Biochemical and Molecular Sciences Programs should be of cross-disciplinary nature and involve in-depth study of biological problems at the level of the cellular and molecular sciences. The research training offered should encompass related disciplines, such as biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neurobiology and pathology.
Chemistry-Biology Interface Training programs in this area should provide significant biological training to students receiving in-depth training in a chemical discipline and provide significant training in chemistry to students being trained in depth in the biological sciences. CBI programs should have a focus on the use of synthetic and mechanistic chemistry as approaches to studying biological problems. Programs will consist primarily of faculty drawn from departments of chemistry, medicinal chemistry and/or pharmaceutical chemistry and faculty from the biological disciplines, such as biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology. Students trained at the chemistry-biology interface should be well-grounded in a core discipline and sufficiently well-trained in complementary fields to allow them to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Genetics Programs should emphasize broad training in the principles and mechanisms of genetics and related sciences. Training in a variety of areas such as classical genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and developmental genetics should be included. Programs should also include training and research opportunities in related disciplines such as biochemistry, cell biology and statistics.
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) supports the training of students who are motivated to undertake a career in biomedical research and academic medicine in an integrated program of scientific and medical study leading to the combined M.D.-Ph.D. degree. The program's goal is to prepare its graduates to function independently in both basic research and clinical investigations.
Andrea Keane-Myers, Ph.D. Email: andrea.keane-myers@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Molecular Biophysics Training in this area should be multidisciplinary and focus on the application of physics, mathematics and chemistry to the problems of biological structure, primarily at the molecular level. These programs should bring together faculty from departments such as chemistry, physics and engineering who have an interest in biologically related research with faculty in biological science departments whose orientation is the application of physical methods and concepts to biological systems.
Molecular Medicine Training in molecular medicine is intended to combine rigorous didactic training in the basic biomedical sciences with exposure to concepts and knowledge underlying the molecular basis of disease. In addition to training in the core concepts of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry, trainees in molecular medicine should have specialized required courses such as pathophysiology and molecular pathogenesis, and program activities, such as seminar series or journal clubs, that provide students with a better understanding of disease mechanisms. Examples of other features that would enhance training in molecular medicine could include dual mentors in basic and clinical science, and exposure to the concepts of medicine through participation in grand rounds. As with all NIGMS training programs, training faculty should be broadly drawn from multiple departments and disciplines and thesis research topics should similarly reflect a broad range of interdisciplinary opportunities in the basic biomedical sciences. The goal is to train a cadre of scientists prepared to work at the interface of basic biomedical science and clinical research, an area sometimes referred to as translational research. This training opportunity should be primarily designed for Ph.D. candidates; M.D. and M.D./Ph.D. doctoral candidates may be interested in such a program and could participate, but should not be the ones for whom a training program in molecular medicine is designed and should not be appointed as trainees to the training grant. A training program in Molecular Medicine should attract a new and distinct pool of students, and the training should clearly be differentiated from that offered by other training programs at the Institution.
Donna Krasnewich, Ph.D. Email: Donna.Krasnewich@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Pharmacological Sciences Training programs in this area should be multidisciplinary and emphasize the acquisition of competence in the broad field of pharmacological sciences. Individuals should receive training that will enable them to conduct research on the biological phenomena and related chemical and molecular processes involved in the actions of therapeutic drugs and their metabolites. Thesis research opportunities should be available with faculty members in a variety of disciplines, such as biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, physiology and neurosciences, as well as pharmacology.
Systems and Integrative Biology Training in this area should be directed toward building the broad research competence required to investigate integrative, regulatory and developmental processes of higher organisms and their functional components. The training program should bring together varied resources, approaches and thesis research opportunities with faculty mentors of such disciplines/departments as physiology, biomedical engineering, the neurosciences, biochemistry and cell and developmental biology. Graduates of the program should be well-versed in quantitative, integrative and systems approaches to biology.
Transdisciplinary Basic Biomedical Sciences This area is designed to increase efficiencies, and broaden the scope and geographic distribution of NIGMS training dollars. It is open only to: a) institutions that currently do not have a NIGMS-funded institutional predoctoral T32 training program in any of the basic biomedical sciences disciplines listed above (with the exception of Behavioral-Biomedical Sciences Interface or Biostatistics), or b) institutions with current NIGMS-funded predoctoral T32 training programs that propose to merge two or more of their existing NIGMS-funded predoctoral training programs in to a single program. Training supported under this area may be covered by the other NIGMS-supported areas of basic biomedical sciences disciplines, or may include other emerging area(s) within the NIGMS mission.
Shiva Singh, Ph.D. Email: shiva.singh@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Awards are for individuals who seek advanced predoctoral research training in basic biomedical sciences relevant to the NIGMS mission. These fellowships promote fundamental, interdisciplinary and innovative research training and career development leading to independent scientists who are well prepared to address the nation's biomedical research needs.
Shiva Singh, Ph.D. Email: singhs@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
NIGMS staff members who manage specific training programs are listed below.
Predoctoral M.D./Ph.D. or Other Dual-Doctoral Degree Fellowships (F30) These awards are designed to enhance the integrated research and clinical training of promising predoctoral students, who are matriculated in a combined M.D.-Ph.D. or other dual-doctoral degree training program (e.g. D.O.-Ph.D., D.D.S.-Ph.D., Au.D.-Ph.D., D.V.M.-Ph.D), and who intend careers as physician-scientists or other clinician-scientists. The fellowship experience is expected to clearly enhance the individuals' potential to develop into productive, independent physician-scientists or other clinician-scientists.
Donna Krasnewich, Ph.D. Email: dkras@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Predoctoral Fellowships to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (F31) This NIH-wide program funds predoctoral fellowships for students (enrolled in Ph.D. or combined degree program) from population groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce, preparing them to enter research careers in biomedical sciences.
These awards support the development of outstanding academic physician-scientists in the areas of anesthesiology, clinical pharmacology, innate immunity, inflammation, sepsis, and trauma and burn injury. They provide support for a period of 3 to 5 years of supervised research and study to clinically trained professionals who have the commitment and potential to develop into productive, independent investigators.
AnesthesiologyZuzana Justinova, Ph.D. Email: zuzana.justinova@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Clinical PharmacologyMartha C. Garcia, Ph.D. Email: Martha.garcia@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Innate Immunity and InflammationXiaoli Zhao, Ph.D. Email: xiaoli.zhao@nih.govBiographical Sketch
SepsisXiaoli Zhao, Ph.D. Email: xiaoli.zhao@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Injury and Critical Illness ResearchXiaoli Zhao, Ph.D. Email: xiaoli.zhao@nih.govBiographical Sketch
These awards support the career development of quantitatively trained investigators from the postdoctoral level to the senior faculty level who make a commitment to basic or clinical biomedicine, bioengineering or bioimaging research that is relevant to the NIH mission.
This program provides support for both mentored and independent research from the same award. The award provides up to 5 years of support consisting of two phases: the initial phase (K99) provides 1-2 years of mentored support to highly promising, postdoctoral research scientists, followed by up to 3 years of independent support (R00) contingent on the scientist securing an independent research position. Applications are accepted for research and training aligned with the NIGMS research priorities. NIGMS encourages postdoctoral trainees to apply by their third year of postdoctoral training.
Paula Flicker, Ph.D., Division of Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational Biosciences Email: flickerp@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Shawn Gailard, Ph.D., Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Applicant Last Names N-Z) Email: shawn.gaillard@nih.govBiographical Sketch
Michael Sesma, Ph.D., Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (Applicant Last Names A-M) Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity Email: msesma@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Oleg Barski, Ph.D., Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Email: oleg.barski@nih.govBiographical Sketch
NRMN is developing a national network of motivated and skilled mentors from various disciplines linked to mentees across the country–both from BUILD institutions and elsewhere–for individuals at the undergraduate to early career faculty levels and spanning biomedical disciplines relevant to the NIH mission. It is also developing best practices and training opportunities for mentors, as well as networking and professional development opportunities for mentees. NRMN is a part of the NIH Common Fund consortium Enhancing the Diversity of the NIH-Funded Workforce. Consortium contact: Alison Gammie.
The CEC coordinates activities and will evaluate the efficacy of the training and mentoring approaches developed by BUILD and NRMN awardees. These findings will have implications for recruiting, training and mentoring of diverse groups nationwide, and the CEC will disseminate effective approaches to the broader research and mentoring communities. CEC is a part of the NIH Common Fund consortium Enhancing the Diversity of the NIH-Funded Workforce. Consortium contact: Alison Gammie.
The F32 fellowship is for individuals who seek postdoctoral research training in areas related to the scientific programs of the institute. The senior fellowships (F33) are for established independent investigators.
Requests for general information about individual postdoctoral fellowships at NIGMS should direct inquiries to:
Michael Sesma, Ph.D. Email: msesma@nigms.nih.govBiographical sketch
For postdoctoral fellowship information specific to the NIGMS scientific divisions listed below, contact the indicated program officer:
Biophysics, Biomedical Technology, and Computational BiosciencesMichael Sakalian, Ph.D. Email: sakalianm@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Applicant's grant number last digit 0-2: contact Dr. XuApplicant's grant number last digit 3-5: contact Dr. MaasApplicant's grant number last digit 6-9: contact Dr. Hoodbhoy
Stefan Maas, Ph.D. Email: maassw@nigms.nih.govBiographical Sketch
Pharmacology, Physiology, Biological ChemistryApplicant Last Name A-G: contact Dr. BarskiApplicant Last Name H-P: contact Dr. BondApplicant Last Name Q-Z: contact Dr. Yang
These awards provide institutional support to partnerships between a research-intensive university and one or more partner institutions that have a historical mission and a demonstrated commitment to providing training, encouragement, and assistance to students from population groups underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce. The grant supports postdoctoral trainees who are engaged in cutting-edge research at the research-intensive university and who also participate in teaching at a partner institution, thus helping improve the research environment and also providing diversity in courses available to students at these institutions.
The IPERT supports creative and innovative research educational activities designed to complement and/or enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical research needs. Each IPERT program must address the NIGMS goals of creating a highly skilled and diverse biomedical workforce. The programs can be designed to support stages of research career development from the undergraduate to the faculty level and must be ancillary or complementary to those research training and research education programs in which they currently participate, regardless of the source of support. While the balance of activities in a single application may vary, an IPERT application must effectively integrate two core elements: courses/workshops for skills development and mentoring activities.
Requests for general information about institutional postdoctoral training awards should be directed to:
Anesthesiology Programs should provide multidisciplinary research training to help develop individuals with the skills and expertise to explore problems relevant to anesthesiology, including the fundamental mechanisms of anesthetic action. The goal is to provide rigorous postdoctoral research training with an emphasis on hypothesis-driven laboratory or clinical research. Trainees, most of whom would hold the M.D. degree, will be expected to spend at least 2 years in the training program and should have the opportunity to acquire fundamental knowledge and research techniques in such disciplines as biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, molecular biology, neurobiology, pharmacology or physiology. For trainees with the Ph.D. degree, the research and training should be specifically designed to promote a research career addressing problems in anesthesiology.
Clinical Pharmacology Individuals in these training programs should receive experience in the methodology and in the conduct of clinical and basic research to qualify them to investigate the effects and mechanisms of drug actions in humans. Trainees, who would usually have the M.D. degree, should have the opportunity to acquire fundamental scientific knowledge and learn research techniques in areas such as basic pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, biostatistics and other biomedical subdisciplines.
Medical Genetics Training programs should provide advances and specialized research training in the principles of genetics with the goal of understanding human genetic disorders. Trainees should be drawn from diverse backgrounds and should be offered opportunities for conducting research with faculty who represent a variety of approaches to genetics ranging from molecular genetics to human population genetics. For holders of the M.D. or other professional degrees, the program should provide training and research opportunities in areas of basic genetics. This training should build on, and complement, the trainee's clinical background. For holders of the Ph.D. degree, the research and training should emphasize the application of the trainee's basic genetics background to problems in human and medical genetics.
Injury and Critical Illness Support for multidisciplinary research training is offered to individuals holding the M.D. or Ph.D. degree who seek to improve the understanding of the body's systemic responses to major injury and to foster the more rapid application of this knowledge to the treatment of trauma and burn-injured victims and/or critically ill patients. The supervisory staff of the training program should include trauma surgeons, burn specialists and critical care specialists as well as basic scientists. Trainees, most of whom would hold the M.D. degree, will be expected to spend at least 2 years in the training program and to apply such basic disciplines as physiology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering or behavioral sciences to the study of injury and/or critical illness.
This NIH-wide program provides supplemental funds to principal investigators holding NIGMS research grants, to improve the diversity of the research workforce by supporting and recruiting students and postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities and individuals from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research.
This page last reviewed on 12/15/2020 3:25 PM
