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Other Project Information

T32 Instructions for a Parent T3​2 or refer to the specific FOA.

Abstract/Summary

Provide a concise summary of the proposed training program. This section must follow NIH guidelines and cannot exceed 30 lines of text. Do not include hyperlinks unless allowed in the funding announcement.

Include:

  • Program overview

    • Broad objectives and specific aims
    • Relevance to NIH mission and public health

  • Program design

    • High-level description of training structure and methods
    • Key activities included in the training plan

  • Trainee information

    • Trainee levels (e.g., predoc, postdoc)
    • Expected outcomes
    • Appointment duration
    • Projected number of trainees

 Writing guidance:

  • Write for a general (non-specialist) audience
  • Ensure the summary can stand alone
  • Keep content clear and concise
  • Do not include:
    • Past accomplishments
    • First-person language
    • Proprietary or confidential information
Important notes:
  • This section is made public if funded (NIH RePORTER)
  • It is used for application categorization and referral

Narrative

Provide a brief statement describing the public health relevance of the proposed training program. This section must not exceed 2–3 sentences and should be written in plain language. Use of hyperlinks and URLs in this section is not allowed unless specified in the funding opportunity announcement.

How the program contributes to:

  • Understanding of biological or behavioral systems
  • Improvements in health, longevity, or disease prevention
  • The broader impact of the training program on public health

Writing guidance:

  • Use clear, non-technical language
  • Keep the statement concise and focused
  • Do not include hyperlinks or URLs
  • Ensure the statement can stand alone

Important notes:

  • This statement will be made public if funded
  • It will be combined with the Project Summary (Abstract) in NIH reporting systems

Bibliography/References

A “Bibliography & References Cited” attachment is required unless otherwise specified in the funding opportunity announcement (FOA). Active hyperlinks in this section are not allowed.

Include:

  • Citations that support the need, rationale, and approach for the proposed training program.
  • All references cited in the application.

Writing guidance:

    • No page limit, but keep entries relevant and concise
    • Follow a standard citation format (e.g., journal style)
    • Do not include uncited or unrelated materials.
    • If no references, include attachment with N/A.
    • Provides support for the need, rationale, and proposed approach of the training program.
    • Do not include lists of publications of project directors, mentors, or trainees (these belong in Biosketches and Data Tables).

Public Access Policy

Facilities and Resources

Describe the environment and institutional resources available to support the proposed training program. Do not include hyperlinks or URLs unless allowed in the funding opportunity announcement (FOA).

Include:
  • Scientific environment
    • Institutional setting and research strengths
    • Opportunities for collaboration and intellectual exchange
  • Facilities and resources
    • Laboratory space, core facilities, and shared equipment
    • Access to specialized tools or infrastructure
  • Institutional support
    • Financial or in-kind support for the program
    • Commitment to trainee development
  • Unique strengths
    • Specialized populations, technologies, or partnerships
    • Features that enhance the training experience
  • Multiple sites (if applicable)
    • Resources available at each performance site, including foreign sites
 Writing Guidance:
  • Focus on how resources support the training program, not just listing them
  • Be concise and descriptive, avoiding unnecessary detail
  • Highlight strengths that distinguish your program
  • Align resources with the training objectives and structure
Important Notes:
  • This section should demonstrate the institution’s capacity to support trainee success
  • Emphasize the quality and integration of the training environment
  • Avoid including information that is not directly relevant to the proposed program
 Examples of Institutional Support
  • Additional Compensation of trainee stipends
  • Shared laboratory facilities and equipment
  • Funding for curriculum development
  • Support for trainee activities
  • Protected time for PD/PI and faculty
  • Support for additional trainees
  • Enhancements to strengthen the training environment

Equipment

 Include:

  • A list of all major equipment and instrumentation currently available for the proposed training program.
  • Equipment located in:
    • Individual laboratories
    • Shared or core facilities
    • Institutional resources accessible to trainees

Writing Guidance:

  • For each item or grouping, describe:
    • Location (e.g., laboratory, department, core facility)
    • Capabilities and functions
    • Relevance to the training program, including how trainees will use or benefit from the equipment
  • Emphasize accessibility to trainees, including shared resources and core facilities.
  • Organize content by facility, function, or training relevance for clarity.

Important Notes:

  • Include only existing, available equipment—do not list planned purchases or requested items.
  • All listed equipment should be directly relevant to the proposed training activities.
  • This section should demonstrate that the institutional environment is sufficient to support high-quality research training. 

Other Attachments: Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee will provide independent, objective advice to the PD/PI on trainee selection, program oversight, and continuous improvement.

 Include:

  • A plan for the establishment of an Advisory Committee, if one is proposed.
  • Description of:
    • Composition of the committee
    • Roles and responsibilities of members
    • Desired expertise of committee members
    • Frequency of meetings
  • Explanation of how the committee will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the training (career development) program.
  • Names of proposed committee members, if they have been invited at the time of application submission.
  • For renewal applications, a list of all Advisory Committee members who served during the past project period.

Writing Guidance:

  • Clearly describe how the Advisory Committee will monitor program progress and outcomes.
  • Provide sufficient detail to demonstrate how member expertise supports program goals.
  • Outline processes for feedback, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

Important Notes:

  • This is not a required component, but should be included if an Advisory Committee is planned.
  • If included, upload the attachment as “Advisory_Committee.pdf.”
  • The filename will be used as the bookmark title in the eRA Commons application.
  • Only name individuals who have been formally invited to participate at the time of submission.

Got Questions?

Contact UCSD Training Grant Office