# The University of Chicago PREP

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2020 · $428,958

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The University of Chicago Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is designed to provide
research training and enrichment activities to recent college graduates from groups underrepresented in the
biomedical and behavioral sciences so they will be better prepared to apply, matriculate, and succeed in a PhD
program. It is based on the concept that an in-depth mentored research experience, along with enrichment
activities that help develop identity as a scientist, is the optimal preparation for graduate studies in the
biomedical sciences. The background and research interests of each participant are considered when
selecting Mentors for one year of laboratory-based research, with Mentors who have outstanding records of
promoting the training, education, and career advancement of biomedical scientists. The research experience
is complemented by a multi-tiered skill-enhancement program for improving oral and written communication,
critical thinking and analysis, and ethical decision-making. Training in such skills is provided by a year-long
PREP Journal Club, numerous workshops, a writing course, an ethics course, academic courses, and other
skill-building activities. Although the Program is highly structured and logically organized, it is flexible in that an
Individual Development Plan (IDP) serves as the roadmap for each Scholar's course over their tenure in the
University of Chicago PREP. The Program and its components are assessed at specific intervals throughout
the year, including both internal and external evaluations. The ultimate success will be measured by the
matriculation of Scholars into PhD programs, their completion of PhD programs, and their long-term successes
as biomedical scientists.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9840474
- **Project number:** 5R25GM066522-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** NANCY B SCHWARTZ
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $428,958
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-09-30 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9840474

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9840474, The University of Chicago PREP (5R25GM066522-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9840474. Licensed CC0.

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