# Achieving diversity in genomics: Research education for URM scientists

> **NIH NIH R25** · BROAD INSTITUTE, INC. · 2020 · $318,970

## Abstract

The Broad Institute's DAP was created in 2003 to prepare and inspire trainees from under represented groups
to pursue, commit to, and succeed in, careers in scientific research. The four major components of our training
model are: 1) acquisition of scientific knowledge; 2) development of communication skills; 3) career
preparation; and, 4) science socialization, whereby we demystify the customs and culture of science. Our
program focuses on points in trainees' academic progression at which they commit to graduate training, and
prepares them to transition successfully at each juncture as they advance to graduate school and into research
careers. We propose to continue our successful summer undergraduate training program and, in partnership
with the Broad Cancer Program, launch a new, two-year post baccalaureate program focused on research in
cancer genomics. Our undergraduate and postbac trainees will develop a breadth and depth of knowledge in
emerging areas of science, and acquire skills in experimental design and analysis by carrying out cutting-edge
research. Trainees will sharpen their ability to present their scientific work in a clear and compelling manner,
and engage in sessions that unpack the many facets and paths of successful scientific careers. Both programs
will maintain our tradition of investing deeply in small numbers of trainees, fostering collaborative peer cohorts,
offering mentoring from leaders in the field, offering post training career support and leveraging the Broad
community's deep commitment to this work. Our DAP will also establish and host annual summer conferences
that deliver high-intensity skill-building activities to the large population of underrepresented undergraduates
participating in Boston-area summer research programs. The larger of these conferences will offer in-depth
sessions on key topics in career development that are typically given cursory treatment by summer programs.
This conference represents a collaborative effort and will harness the collective experience of area universities
currently training underrepresented students. Our second conference will provide hands-on training in
analytical methods for computationally naïve undergraduate students in STEM. Both conferences will help
propel larger numbers of under represented students toward successful graduate careers in STEM, providing
expertise and resources that many cannot access through their home institutions. The Broad Institute offers a
multidisciplinary, highly collaborative environment in which new genomic technologies and genetic, chemical
and computational approaches are applied to the study of disease. The Broad's DAP will recruit and identify
talented participants from diverse sources, including non-research-intensive and minority-serving colleges and
universities, including trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds. We will evaluate our program and outcomes,
tracking the participants with respect to clear metrics. Our proposal builds on ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10226593
- **Project number:** 3R25HG006682-08S1
- **Recipient organization:** BROAD INSTITUTE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Bruce W. BIRREN
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $318,970
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2012-03-13 → 2021-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10226593

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10226593, Achieving diversity in genomics: Research education for URM scientists (3R25HG006682-08S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10226593. Licensed CC0.

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