Institutional Training Grants

This page provides resources to faculty and staff seeking funding for institutional programs that aim to train students for careers in STEM disciplines. 

Resources

Training grant proposals require a significant amount of institutional information. Resources for training applications can be found on the Templates/Resource Sharepoint. In addition, Research Development Services (RDS) personnel are also available to help you plan and write training grants. Please email RDS for support.

Examples of Institutional Training Grants

Note: Under the current federal administration, many of these programs may no longer be active. They or similar programs may be available in the future. 

Training Programs at UO

The following are the current, externally-funded training programs increase research careers in  STEM fields.

National Institutes of Health Funded Programs

  • Graduate Training in Genetics (T32). This predoctoral training program in genetics prepares scientists for productive careers at the forefront of modern genetics, whether in an academic, corporate, or governmental context. The program aims to (i) train students to become creative, rigorous, and experimentally skilled scientists with a deep and broad understanding of gene function and heredity; (ii) teach students to communicate science effectively to the lay public, professional colleagues, and students in the classroom; and (iii) prepare students to bring this expertise into the workforce by offering varied opportunities to develop professional skills. The program has been running since 1977.
  • Developmental Biology Training Program (T32). This program trains graduate students to become rigorous, skilled, and innovative developmental biologists. The trainees develop abilities to lead research programs of their own, communicate discoveries to other scientists and the public, and teach future generations of scientists. The multi-faceted training equips students to become leading academic and non-academic scientists or achieve other influential research-related careers. This program has been running since 1989.
  • Graduate Training in Molecular Biology & Biophysics (T32). The goal of this program is to train rigorous, skilled, and innovative scientists, preparing them for productive careers at the forefront of modern molecular biology and biophysics, whether it be in an academic, corporate, or nonprofit context. This program provides training in technical, operational, and professional skills for graduate students in molecular biology and biophysics, and offers students the opportunity to learn about the different careers in biomedical research or related fields that are available to them and position them for entry into those fields. This program has been running since 1979.
  • Navigating Educational Trajectories in Neuroscience (R25). This cohort model is designed to accelerate pre- and postdoctoral trainees’ success by fostering community among peers and faculty at critical transition periods in their education and as they define and navigate their professional and academic goals. Grounded in a responsive, individualized mentorship, and community-building framework, the program aims to build critical skills and leadership capacity through collaborative mentoring experiences, formal and informal mentorship training, and new Graduate Education Modules to build skills needed by the changing neuroscience workforce. This program began in 2022.
  • Program to Increase Resilience and Enhance Persistence in Biomedical Sciences (R25). This Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program aims to address challenges in the recruitment, retention, and success along the biomedical training pathway for scholars. By offering intentional community-building activities, individualized mentorship, productive research experiences, and academic and professional development, the program enables the successful transition from undergraduate to graduate training among the cohort of scholars. This program began in 2023.

National Science Foundation Funded Programs

  • Think Globally and Act Locally in Building Research and Career Skills in Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Science (REU Site). In this program, undergraduate students engage in research projects in chemistry, physics, and materials science in a ten-week session over the summer. In addition to conducting publishable research using state-of-the-art instrumentation, the students participate in research seminars, weekly research meetings, and social events. Weekly webinars with established scientists and their students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East afford students a global environmental perspective. Workshops focused on career science communication, applying for fellowships, and responsible research conduct complement the research experience and prepare students for graduate school and careers in the chemical sciences. This program has been running since 1987.
  • Molecular Probes and Sensors for Complex Environments (NRT). This Research Traineeship program supports master’s and PhD students by providing training in the scientific areas of molecular probes and sensors, technological development, and data analysis. The program prepares graduate students to enter a challenging, changing future with a training plan that combines market-aligned research and innovation training, inclusive leadership practices, and immersive team-led projects. The goal is to produce a cohort of scientists who are uniquely prepared to address societal needs in dynamic workforce environments. This program was founded in 2020 and is currently funded through August 2025.
  • Oregon Pathways to Industrial Research Careers: Diversifying STEM Research Talent with Community College, 4-Year, and Knight Campus Graduate Internship Scholarships (S-STEM). The Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program at UO contributes to the national need for well-educated scientists, engineers, and technicians by supporting the retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need at UO, Umpqua Community College, Lane Community College, and Central Oregon Community College. The program supports 64 unique individuals pursuing degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, and physics during their final year at community college, as transfer students attaining a bachelor’s degree at the UO, and then through the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program, a master’s degree program at UO that includes a 9-month paid internship. This program was founded in 2022.