Preparing and Submitting a New or Renewal Application

If my institution already has a NHGRI T32 program, can I apply for another program?
NHGRI will only allow one program in each of these areas: (1) genomic sciences; (2) genomic medicine; and (3) ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics research. Thus, if there is a T32 at your institution focused on genomic sciences, you cannot submit an application with this focus. You may submit an application that focuses on genomic medicine or ELSI.

Will NHGRI consider for funding my training application that combines predoctoral and postdoctoral training?
Yes, but the preference is to focus on one career level. Mixed programs must be strongly justified.

I plan to submit a new T32 predoctoral application. How many trainees can I request? Is there a limit?
New and renewal genomic medicine training programs can request up to ten training positions per year.

New genomic sciences training programs can request up to ten training positions per year.

ELSI training programs can request up to five trainees.

Your request for the number of positions must reflect the program's pool of qualified applicants, the proven ability of the program to effectively mentor that number of trainees, and the number of years (2-3 years) that students will be funded for.

How do I determine who is underrepresented in the biomedical sciences?
NIH encourages institutions to diversify their student and faculty populations to enhance the participation of individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences. Please see NIH’s Interest in Diversity Statement (NOT-OD-20-031) for guidance.

Does the support period for students have to be continuous? I would like our students to participate in internships over the summer, but many companies require that the students be supported by them rather than from the training grant. Would it be possible, for example, to have two semesters on, summer off, two semesters on, summer off, one semester on to make up the full 2 years?
This is possible, but there are a few things to consider. Applicants are strongly encouraged to describe any proposed internships, including research training experiences away from the parent organization, that are part of the training program with sufficient detail in the grant application. If this is not included in the grant application, NIH requires prior written approval prior to the internship. To complete a break in training grant support (in this case for a paid internship), submit a Termination Notice via xTrain. Upon resumption of Kirschstein-NRSA support, document the reappointment on another Statement of Appointment form submitted via xTrain.

Does my T32 application require personal statements in biosketches?
Program director(s), all key personnel, and participating faculty biosketches require a personal statement. For other biosketch related questions, refer to https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm.

Do I need to submit the data tables that are requested in a T32 grant application in a specific format?
Yes, NIH has required data table formats for T32 applications; these can be found on the NIH Data Tables webpage, https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms-f/data-tables.htm. There are different tables required for new applications versus renewals, and for predoctoral versus postdoctoral applications. Be sure to read the "Introduction to Data Tables" and the instructions and rationale for each table. These tables are extremely important to the review of your application. Make sure they are filled out correctly and that all requested tables are included in the application.

When is my training grant new or renewal application due?
NHGRI has only one receipt date for T32s (May 25).

Can I request adding positions to my competitive renewal?
Yes, but they must be well justified and, again, reflect the program's pool of qualified applicants, the proven ability of the program to effectively mentor that number of trainees, and the number of years (i.e. one or two years) students will be funded. Do not expect expansion of the trainee positions unless there has been significant change in these aspects and understand that positions can be reduced in future years as well.

Renewal genomic medicine training programs can request up to ten (10) training positions per year.

ELSI training programs can request up to five (5) trainees.

How do I fill out the IACUC and IRB dates on the face page?
For competing awards using the SF424 application:
Note that IACUC and IRB approvals for the full training grant application are not required.

In many instances, trainees supported by institutional training grants will be participating in research supported by research project grants for which the IACUC and/or IRB or a determination of exemption exists. Existing IACUC/IRB approval is sufficient for trainees, provided that the IACUC/IRB determines that the research would not be substantially modified by the participation of a trainee.

Although IRB or IACUC approval dates will not be required in the application, the human subjects or vertebrate animal research projects that involve trainees must have IRB or IACUC approval. Ensuring compliance with this requirement is the responsibility of the awardee institutions. ICs may request that awardees provide the IRB or IACUC approval documentation for specific projects with trainees.

Do my trainees require human subjects training?
If trainees are working with human subjects or live vertebrate animals, the recipient institution must ensure that trainees have received the proper training/education in human subjects and vertebrate animals and to ensure they are properly supervised.