Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) (T34) | PAR 24 138

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 138

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) T34 program (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-24-138) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity, administered through NIGMS, that focuses on improving undergraduate biomedical research training and strengthening institutional training environments. Its central aim is to broaden participation in the biomedical research workforce by expanding the number of well-prepared scientists, particularly by encouraging the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented groups, who successfully complete a bachelors degree and then move on to research-intensive graduate training, such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. programs. In practical terms, the program is designed to help institutions build structured, high-quality undergraduate research training pathways that reliably support students from early development through graduation and into competitive next-step research degree programs.

This funding supports domestic organizations in developing and running evidence-informed undergraduate training and mentoring programs that keep pace with a fast-changing biomedical research landscape. NIGMS expects applicants to propose programs that combine multiple integrated components: didactic elements (coursework, skills training, seminars, or other structured learning), hands-on research experiences (meaningful mentored research engagement that develops scientific thinking and technical capability), and career development activities (such as guidance on graduate school preparation, responsible conduct of research, professional skills, and exploration of research career paths). The overall expectation is that trainees supported through MARC emerge prepared for biomedical research careers that can meaningfully contribute to the nations health-related research needs.

Eligibility is a key feature of this announcement. The program is limited to baccalaureate degree-granting, research-intensive organizations that meet a specific NIH funding threshold: the institution must have averaged at least 7.5 million dollars per year in total NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) costs (including both direct and facilities and administrative/indirect costs) over the most recent three fiscal years. In addition to these research-intensive baccalaureate institutions, the opportunity lists a wide range of eligible applicant types and institution categories, reflecting an interest in reaching diverse organizational settings. Examples include Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). The eligible applicant list also includes various levels of government entities (state, county, city/township, and special district governments), certain tribal governments and tribal organizations (including federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education), and even for-profit organizations other than small businesses and small businesses, among others. At the same time, there are clear restrictions on foreign involvement: non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations or foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible under this opportunity.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health funding activity area, with CFDA number 93.859. The posting indicates an original closing date of 2026-05-27 and a creation date of 2024-03-28. While the notice includes fields for award ceiling and expected awards, those fields are not populated in the provided source information. Overall, MARC T34 is best understood as an institutional training grant mechanism intended to help eligible U.S. organizations build robust undergraduate biomedical research training ecosystems that improve student persistence, graduation outcomes, and successful transition into research-focused doctoral training.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) (T34)" 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 2024-03-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-27. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 24 138

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