Leading Equity and Diversity in the Medical Scientist Training Program (LEAD MSTP)(T32) | PAR 23 030

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 23 030

The Leading Equity and Diversity in the Medical Scientist Training Program (LEAD MSTP) (T32) is a National Institutes of Health training grant opportunity (PAR-23-030, CFDA 93.859) aimed at expanding and strengthening the clinician-scientist pipeline in the United States. Its central purpose is to develop a more diverse group of highly trained dual-degree clinician-scientist leaders who can meet the nations biomedical research needs. The program is designed for institutions that have historically been underrepresented among NIGMS-funded Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs), with a clear emphasis on building equitable training environments and improving outcomes for trainees pursuing both a clinical professional degree and a Ph.D.

This opportunity supports institutions in creating and running dual-degree training programs that better integrate the major transition points that often make MD-PhD and similar pathways difficult to navigate. In practical terms, the FOA calls for evidence-informed approaches to training design and mentoring that help trainees move efficiently and successfully between medical (or other clinical) training phases and the research-intensive Ph.D. portion. Eligible clinical degrees are broad and can include M.D., D.O., D.V.M., D.D.S., Pharm.D., and related professional doctorates, paired with a research doctorate (Ph.D.). The intent is that graduates leave with deep scientific rigor and clinical insight so they can drive translational research that improves how diseases are understood, detected, treated, and prevented, while also being prepared to lead in the biomedical research enterprise as it continues to evolve.

NIGMS highlights several priorities that applicants are expected to address in their training plans. One is optimizing training efficiency, meaning programs should think carefully about curriculum structure, timing, milestones, and supports that reduce unnecessary delays and help trainees complete both degrees without sacrificing quality. Another is fostering long-term persistence in research careers, which points to building strong mentoring systems, research experiences, professional development, and career guidance that keep alumni engaged in biomedical research after graduation. A third priority is enhancing diversity in the clinician-scientist workforce, not only by recruiting diverse trainees but also by creating inclusive mentoring, community support, and career development structures that improve retention and success. Overall, NIGMS expects training programs to combine didactic instruction, meaningful research training, intentional mentoring, and career development activities so that trainees are well prepared for research careers with significant impact on national health-related research needs.

Eligibility is intentionally focused to expand capacity in specific institution types and regions. Applications are limited to domestic dual-degree training programs located at (1) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), (2) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and (3) institutions in states and territories participating in the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program, which is a congressionally mandated effort to build research capacity in historically underfunded states. The eligible applicant categories include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, as long as they meet the program limitations described above. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant using the NIH T32 institutional training mechanism, with the opportunity originally created on November 22, 2022, and an original application closing date of January 27, 2025. The source information provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would need to consult the full FOA and NIH guidance for budget structure, allowable costs, trainee support levels, and any cohort expectations. In summary, LEAD MSTP is meant to broaden where MSTP-like training thrives, improve how dual-degree programs handle critical transitions, and produce clinician-scientists who are both scientifically excellent and more representative of the nations diversity, strengthening the future biomedical research workforce.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Leading Equity and Diversity in the Medical Scientist Training Program (LEAD MSTP)(T32)" 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 2022-11-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-01-27. (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, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for PAR 23 030

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