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All students pursuing PhDs in biomedical sciences are invited to participate in our IMSD program! Students are eligible for IMSD funding if they are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and members of groups underrepresented in biomedical sciences/research in the US due to historical exclusion. Thus, individuals with disabilities, from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (Native Americans/Alaska Natives, Hispanic Americans, Hawaiian Natives/U.S. Pacific Islanders, and African Americans), and/or from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are invited and encouraged to participate in our IMSD program.

Competitive Diversity Fellowships are available to first-year students from underrepresented groups accepted into the BBSP. These collaborative awards between IMSD, T32 training programs, and the UNC School of Medicine provide 1-2 years of salary support and a travel award to attend a scientific conference and present scientific findings. Partnerships have been established with the following training programs:

IMSD participants can choose from a menu of outstanding professional development opportunities that enable each individual student to reach their full potential. These opportunities are available in group and one-on-one sessions with nationally recognized professional consultants for scientific writing and career planning.

Since outstanding scholastic performance makes students more competitive for fellowships and training grants, IMSD also offers tremendous academic support tailored to meet the specific needs of each IMSD participant. Academic coaches are PhDed scientists and senior graduate students who provide academic enrichment for courses, development of critical analysis skills, and comprehensive exam preparation. Additionally, academic coaches and experienced IMSD graduate students provide mentorship to assist first year students with their transition into graduate school.