We’re pleased to announce that NIGMS is now accepting diversity supplement applications to support faculty-level investigators developing independent research careers (NOT-GM-21-014). This opportunity is part of our Diversity Supplements Program, which facilitates the recruitment and training of promising scientists from diverse backgrounds (e.g., individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce).

The supplements provide either short- or long-term research support to early career faculty members wishing to participate in ongoing research projects while further developing their research skills and establishing an independent research career.

Eligible investigators are typically junior faculty (e.g., instructor or assistant professor) who haven’t previously served as program director or principal investigator on an NIH research grant, received an individual research career development award, or been a project leader of a NIH award subproject.

NIGMS funding priorities include individualized training that 1) considers the research and career goals of the investigator, 2) focuses on developing the research skills and capacity of the investigator required to obtain an independent research award, or 3) focuses on the development of credentials for advancement in the investigator’s research career.

In all cases, the proposed research experience must be within the scope of an active NIGMS research grant and have the potential to contribute significantly to the research career development of the candidate.

Additionally, SCORE grants are also now eligible to receive diversity supplement funding. We especially encourage applications to support undergraduate student participation in research.

Eligible investigators are strongly encouraged to discuss potential diversity supplement requests with the program officer of their grant before submitting an application. We also strongly encourage all potential applicants, especially those requesting support for investigators developing independent research careers, to contact Desirée Salazar or Shakira Nelson to discuss the proposed training plan and supplement application process before preparing an application.