Scholars must be pursuing a major related to the biomedical sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, neuroscience, psychology, engineering). All Scholars must be committed to pursuing a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. program after graduation (not the M.D. only).

Students can apply in the spring of their sophomore year for MARC Scholar funding.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to be eligible for MARC support.

The program appoints six scholars each year.

The goal of the NIH MARC Program is to increase diversity and inclusion in biomedical research of those from underrepresented groups, including those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds (Pell-grant eligible), first-generation college students, and those with disabilities defined as physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. See https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html.

In the selection process we consider diversity broadly and ask that candidates address how they will contribute to diversity, with an emphasis on how their lived experiences have shaped their interests and academic/career goals. Please note there are additional dimensions by which a candidate could add to the diversity of our program. We encourage candidates to bring these dimensions forward in their statements to be considered in our selection process.

The committee choosing successful scholars from among the applicants will consider many aspects of the application, including the prior performance of the student, promise in research, intent to earn the Ph.D., and the way in which the research program will prepare the student for that path.  

The program is intended by NIH as a pre-Ph.D. program, not a pre-med program. It includes a lot of training activities specific to entering and succeeding in doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. Pre-Ph.D. includes M.D./Ph.D., but only students who are truly committed to the Ph.D. part should undertake the program.

We expect that at this stage some students may have already initiated research, and some may not. What is key is your long-term interest in biomedical research as a career goal. The idea is that you can reach out now to faculty on the MARC research mentor list whose research may interest you. They know MARC applicants will be trying to initiate relationships at this time, so they are expecting that students will contact them and will welcome your inquiry. If you find a match, then they can write as your research sponsor on the application.

Yes. New mentors would need to request preceptor status. They can reach out to VandyMARC@vanderbilt.edu for information.

In the selection process we consider diversity broadly and ask that candidates give us an idea of how they think they can contribute to diversity. This is particularly in reference to NIH’s stated interests, which include increasing representation of groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, such as:

• Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders
• Individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds (for example, Pell-grant eligible)
• Those with disabilities (defined as physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity)
• Additional descriptions

However, there are many additional possible dimensions by which a candidate could add to the diversity of our program. We encourage candidates to bring these forward in their statements and we consider multiple potential dimensions of diversity, according to the candidate’s statement, in our selection process. For example, females are still under-represented at the faculty level in the sciences, although that is not described in this NIH statement. Using this example, there are many additional possibilities.

Yes, someone could indeed apply for both VUSRP and the MARC program, but there are very big differences. MARC provides two years of full-time research training; including two summers of support, stipend support during the AY, and summer and tuition support. VUSRP would provide one summer of research support only. It is possible to be accepted into both programs if the opportunity arose. To discuss these possibilities in more detail, please reach out to VandyMARC@vanderbilt.edu

We have bi-weekly meetings of the MARC program and students throughout the year for workshops on grad school applications, professional development, presentation practice and skills, and research talks. This provides a good balance and substantial community building.

A key feature of the MARC program is that each student has a mentoring committee of three faculty – their lab PI, plus two additional faculty who provide disciplinary and career expertise.  Scholars meet at least once per year with their committee to give progress updates and get guidance and mentorship on research, as well as selection of graduate or M.D./ Ph.D. programs, and the application process. As a result, Scholars have three top faculty to guide them and to provide letters of recommendation, much like an honors project.