Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD)

The National Institute of Health Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) Graduate Study Awards are given to outstanding underrepresented students who are admitted to one of the participating PhD biomedical programs at The University of Arizona. 

The intent of the NIH/IMSD Scholars program is to provide five (5) years of funding, in-state and out-of-state tuition waivers, and individual health insurance, as long as satisfactory progress is made toward the PhD degree.

Year One, NIH/IMSD Scholars will receive:

• Scholars receive $ 27,000 in funding
• In-state and out-of-state tuition waivers
• Health Insurance
• Experience 3-4 laboratory rotations prior to choosing a research mentor
• Participate in a colloquium course designed to teach graduate school survival skills
• Receive up to $1,500 in travel funds to attend a national scientific conference

The NIH/IMSD Scholars' subsequent years are funded by their department in the form of research and/or teaching assistantships or a training fellowship at comparable levels, depending on the program.