Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) (T32)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions that train physician-scientists through combined MD/PhD or DDS/PhD programs. Eligible applicants include accredited medical schools, dental schools, and research institutions that host NIH-sponsored training programs. Programs must have established curricula combining clinical training and research mentorship. Geographic scope is nationwide; all U.S. states and territories may apply.
The program supports institutional training grants, not individual fellowships. Institutions must demonstrate commitment to research infrastructure and mentor availability. Both public and private institutions can apply if they meet NIH requirements. Previous MSTP awardees may compete for renewal funding.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
The goal of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is to develop a broad pool of highly trained physician-scientist leaders available to meet the needs of the Nations biomedical research agenda. Specifically, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides support to eligible domestic institutions to develop and implement effective, evidence-based approaches to integrated dual-degree training leading to the award of both professional medical doctorate degrees and research doctorate degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent). With the dual qualification of rigorous scientific research and clinical practice, graduates will be equipped with the skills to develop research programs that accelerate the translation of research advances to the understanding, detection, treatment and prevention of human disease, and to lead the advancement of biomedical research. Areas of particular importance to NIGMS are the iterative optimization of MSTP training efficacy and efficiency, and fostering the persistence of MSTP alumni in research careers. NIGMS expects that the proposed research training programs will incorporate didactic, research, mentoring and career development elements to prepare trainees for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- HBCU
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (NIH version)
- Project Narrative (program design and rationale)
- Specific Aims (trainee selection, curriculum, mentorship)
- Research Environment (institutional resources and facilities)
- Biographical Sketches (program director and key faculty)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Facilities and Equipment descriptions
- Institutional Review Board certification (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,019,458
-
$54,912,096
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
-
$52,026,661
-
$50,897,104
-
$49,349,731
Top States by Funding
- ME 4 awards $143.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
- RI 4 awards $126.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for MSTP funding?
Accredited medical schools, dental schools, and research institutions with established physician-scientist training programs. Your institution must be NIH-eligible and have faculty mentors in research.
What is the typical funding range and duration?
MSTP awards typically support 4-6 trainees per cohort. Funding covers trainee stipends, tuition, and program costs, usually for 5 years with potential renewal.
Can my program apply if it's new or small?
New programs may face higher competitive pressure. Most awarded programs have established research infrastructure and track records of producing independent researchers.
What activities does MSTP support?
Funding supports student stipends, tuition coverage, research time, and program administration. It does not support specific research projects directly.
How competitive is this grant?
MSTP is highly competitive, with success rates typically 20-30%. Strong institutional research support and proven trainee outcomes are essential.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your institution's research infrastructure, NIH funding levels, and mentor diversity across research areas.
- Provide detailed trainee selection criteria and show how your program identifies and supports physician-scientist talent.
- Document recent program outcomes: where graduates work, their publication rates, and research funding obtained.
- Emphasize mentorship structure; describe how faculty will support combined clinical and research training.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through budget support, protected research time, and incentives for faculty mentorship.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional commitment or insufficient research infrastructure. Vague mentorship plans that don't address how faculty will guide clinical-research dual training. Failure to document program outcomes and trainee trajectories post-graduation.
Similar grants
- OPEN Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIH Research Education Program – Courses, Curriculum & Methods (Parent R25 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN NIH Research Educational Program – Mentoring Activities & Networks (Parent R25/UE5 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed) — National Institutes of Health
- OPEN Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T32) — National Institutes of Health