2026 application open; positions contingent on NIH funding
Selection of the 2026 IMSD cohort is contingent upon CSU’s receipt of the official NIH notice of the 2026 funding cycle, which we anticipate receiving in February (or early March). Should the grant be funded as anticipated, applications will proceed to review. In the event that the funding cycle is disrupted in a manner similar to the 2025 cycle, applicants will be promptly notified, and application reviews will be paused.
Offering translational medicine research training and professional development for students pursuing a Ph.D. from qualifying College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences programs, this fellowship program aims to increase the number of students in the biomedical sciences successfully completing their Ph.D.
Fellows will have full support for one year, attending program specific activities/seminars while concurrently fulfilling the requirements for the Ph.D. program to which the student originally applied. An additional two years of funding is possible with continued IMSD NIH funding and satisfactory progress in the fellow’s Ph.D. program. The fellowship is considered an addition, not replacement for a qualifying Ph.D. program.
Fellows will receive:
- Rigorous training in the application of the scientific method to a defined research project, emphasizing translation of basic research to veterinary and human medicine
- Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and communication
- Extensive support for academics, research, career planning, and professional development
Program activities
Year one (seed year)
Year one begins June 1, 2026 with a summer orientation focused on social and professional development activities. Once fellows meet potential mentors and view potential laboratories, they will begin their first 8-week laboratory rotation (subsequent rotations will occur during the fall and spring semesters). Fellows are required to select a faculty advisor by the end of their first year. Other first-year activities include peer mentoring, program specific coursework, and participation in social support groups.
Year two (growth year)
During the second year of the training program, fellows will form their dissertation committee, create their individual development plan, take further coursework, and participate in talks and other activities with the Translational Medicine Institute.
Year three (bloom year)
Year three will focus on providing students with professional development, including mentorship training. Fellows will continue learning about translational medicine and progressing through their Ph.D. To ensure they remain fully funded when they exit the program, fellows will be guided through applying for grants and other support programs.
In year three and beyond, fellows are expected to devote the majority of their time to their dissertation research. They will participate in research team mentoring and other team science workshops. Finally, they will complete their preliminary exam and prepare for their dissertations.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents entering a qualifying Ph.D. program. Students must be able to start the program June 1.
Qualifying Ph.D. programs
- Biomedical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Environmental Health
- Microbiology
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurosciences
- Pathology
- Radiological Health
- Toxicology
Funding
Fellows receive one year of financial support, including a stipend, tuition and fees, and funds to travel to scientific meetings. Support for years two and three are contingent on continued IMSD NIH funding and satisfactory progress in the fellow’s Ph.D. program. Additional support beyond year three will come from a variety of resources including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or other forms of graduate support, provided satisfactory progress is being made toward earning the Ph.D.
Application information
Applications, including the written section and permission to access your graduation application, are due March 27, 2026. Before starting your application, view application instructions and a sample of the 2026 application.
2026 Application Timeline
Questions?
