Minority Student Training Program The NIGMS Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) program supports undergraduate biomedical research training to increase the preparation of underrepresented minority students for Ph.D. programs. The Council approved a proposal to refocus this program emphasizing developing and enhancing the scientific and academic skills of MARC students rather than simply interesting and motivating potential trainees. NIGMS may use an outcomes-based funding approach and will encourage participating institutions to develop both strong curricula that are rich in the quantitative sciences and collaborative partnerships with existing predoctoral research training (T32) programs. For more information, contact NIGMS program director Shawn Drew at drewl@nigms.nih.gov or 301-594-3900. Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research Principal investigators holding active NIGMS research grants can request supplemental funds to recruit and support individuals from groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. NIGMS now will consider requests to support more than one graduate student or postdoctoral fellow per grant. For more information, see NOT-GM-06-111 and contact Anthony René, NIGMS assistant director for referral and liaison, at renea@nigms.nih.gov or 301-594-3833. NIGMS Funding Opportunities Directory The NIGMS Web site now offers an interactive directory allowing you to easily locate Institute-supported funding opportunities. Search by keyword or phrase, filter by grant mechanism, or browse by areas such as research funding, training and career development, minority programs, research and administrative supplements, and small business opportunities. New Minority Programs Publication Available The publication 21st Century Scientists: Research Training Opportunities for Underrepresented Minorities is now available on the NIGMS Web site. This brochure provides an overview of the Institute's minority programs and includes a chart of these programs by career stage. Printed copies also are available from the NIGMS Office of Communications and Public Liaison at info@nigms.nih.gov or 301-496-7301. NIH Pathway to Independence Award Q&A Questions and answers about the new Pathway to Independence Award program (PA-06-133) are available on the NIH Web site. The program helps investigators receive R01 awards earlier in their research careers by providing highly promising postdoctoral scientists with up to 2 years of mentored support, followed by up to 3 years of additional support contingent on securing an independent research position. Info taken from NIGMS Feedback Loop. Visit http://www.nigms.nih.gov for more details.