# UNC PREP in the Biomedical Sciences

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $385,269

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The long-term objective of UNC PREP in the Biomedical Sciences is to increase the number of highly
trained under-represented (UR) biomedical scientists in leadership positions who can significantly
impact the health-related research needs of the nation. The immediate goal of UNC PREP is to equip,
encourage, and empower talented UR post-baccalaureates to matriculate and excel in top biological
and biomedical graduate programs. Since its inception in 2010, UNC PREP has strived to support the
unique needs of each scholar and to facilitate their transition into competitive PhD or MD/PhD
programs and research careers. We will continue to provide immersive high-quality research
experiences, relevant comprehensive professional development training, supportive program staff
with scientific research backgrounds, and cohesive community of like-minded scholars with similar
professional goals. An overarching theme of UNC PREP is for each scholar to develop their “science
identity” and to acquire scientific self-efficacy, so that they see themselves as belonging in the greater
scientific community. In addition, UNC PREP provides each trainee with a network of colleagues and
mentors who can offer guidance and support success throughout their career. The specific aims for
UNC PREP are 1) to formulate and carry out Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for each scholar,
2) to provide an immersive research experience under the direction of a UNC faculty member (75%
time), 3) to provide comprehensive relevant coursework and professional development (25% time) for
building additional skills important for a successful science career, and 4) to have at least 80% of
scholars transition directly into competitive biomedical PhD programs. The program components will
be continuously evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures of student progress and
outcomes and will drive evolution of program components to maximize positive outcomes and the
development of well trained and prepared scholars. During the first six years of UNC PREP, 89% of
our scholars transitioned directly into top biomedical PhD programs with 94% retention in or
completion of these programs. This competitive renewal will continue to build upon the highly
effective strategies of UNC PREP. Ultimate success of UNC PREP will be defined as scholars
completing PhD programs and entering high-quality postdoctoral positions, and later, faculty and
leadership positions in academia, government, or industry.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9895816
- **Project number:** 5R25GM089569-11
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Joshua Hall
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $385,269
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2010-03-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9895816

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9895816, UNC PREP in the Biomedical Sciences (5R25GM089569-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9895816. Licensed CC0.

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