IMSD@UB Program Admission and Application Guide

The T32-Initiative for Maximizing Student Development at UB (IMSD@UB) is a predoctoral training grant awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS) of the National Institute of Health (NIH) that funds incoming PhD graduate students, and offers career and professional development to support and promote their academic success in scientific discovery.

The program strives to promote excellence by attracting, enrolling, and engaging cohorts of students in biomedical, behavioral and STEM sciences with experience in leadership, innovation, and creative processes. It seeks to bring together individuals with unique skills and perspectives, possessing the motivation, talent, and ability to succeed, to enrich UB’s educational programs and scientific workforce. 

Benefits

The IMSD@UB program provides scholars with:

Eligibility

  • All incoming PhD students admitted to UB participating PhD programs are eligible to apply for participation and funding by the IMSD@UB.
  • Nominees should be US Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • PhD Programs Admissions Officers are invited to encourage all admitted PhD candidates to apply. 

Selection

  • The top candidates will be recommended for full participation including funding from the IMSD@UB grant to support stipend, health insurance and tuition for an initial period of one year beginning on July 1, 2026. 
  • Applications are reviewed using a broad and comprehensive approch, considering all aspects of the  candidate’s application.
  • Candidates are interviewed by the IMSD@UB Admissions and Education Committee (AEC).
  • PhD Programs are encouraged to bundle IMSD@UB funding with Fellowships, Presidential Awards, or other eligible top off stipend awards.

Appointments

  • PhD students start their PhD program at UB in Fall 2026. IMSD Scholars will participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing academic and research skills, and career and professional development to promote success in graduate school. 

Application Instructions

Applicant’s Responsibility

  • Notify your PhD Program Admissions Officer of your intention to apply to the IMSD@UB program (application form below)
  • A 1-2-page cover letter highlighting your educational trajectory, experiences, challenges, and/or barriers which may have contributed to and/or affected your academic success, as well as interest in and relevant experience in scientific research.
  • Application deadline is  April 15th for a start date in the program of July 1, 2026

PhD Programs Admissions Officer’s Responsibility

  • Submit the candidate’s Graduate School Application (e.g., curriculum vitae, personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, other), via the Slate Queue to Dr. M. L. Dubocovich (mdubo@buffalo.edu).
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and decisions will be made by April 27, 2026. 
  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

IMSD@UB Application Form