Graduate Outreach

BMS is firmly committed to increasing diversity amongst our graduate students.

We are proud to provide an atmosphere that is nurturing for all students, and that respects diversity. Over 20% of our currently enrolled students identify as members of under-represented populations in STEM.

In addition to BMS, the Office of Diversity and Outreach functions to carry out UCSF's Mission "to attract and educate the nation's most promising students to future careers in the health sciences...with continuing emphasis on open access and diversity." Through its programs and services listed below, the Office of Diversity and Outreach works to increase and retain underrepresented graduate students at UCSF.

For Undergraduates and Prospective Graduate Students

  • Summer Research Training Program (SRTP): The SRTP strives to encourage undergraduate students to pursue research in the biomedical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and to make them more competitive candidates for admission to Ph.D. programs in these areas. This 9-week program, largely sponsored by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), is open to students in their sophomore year and above, and provides an individualized laboratory research experience, co-curricular workshops, and social activities.
  • Post-baccalaureate Research Opportunity to Promote Equity and Learning (PROPEL): PROPEL is a 1-2 year Paid Post-baccalaureate research opportunity serving 10-15 incoming post-bac researchers from groups underrepresented in science through a modest financial incentive for faculty hiring managers, career and professional development training sessions, networking opportunities, and laboratory mentorship. Scholars must be employeed full-time at UCSF and all funding must be provided by the host lab.  The PROPEL program does not have its own funding, but can help faculty apply for NIH supplements and additional incentives ($10-15K) if available from a UCSF department or institute that the host lab is a part of to support the scholar. 
  • University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS): UC LEADS is a two-year program for UC juniors majoring in the fields of science, engineering, or mathematics who have a strong commitment to pursue a Ph.D in one of these fields. LEADS scholars conduct research with UCSF faculty, participate in academic enrichment programs, and attend an annual symposium with UC LEADS scholars from other UC institutions. The program also includes summer research experiences, travel to other UC campuses and professional and scientific society meetings.
  • Off-Campus Recruiting: Meet with UCSF faculty and administrators at events such as research talks on your home campus and national conferences and scientific meetings.

For Current Graduate Students

  • The National Institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD): Funded by the National institute for General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD), this program is designed to improve the academic and research competitiveness of underrepresented minority students and facilitate their progress toward careers in biomedical research. Eligible students are nominated for this fellowship by their department upon their acceptance for graduate study, and awardees are provided with financial support for five years and co-curricular academic experiences that broaden their perspectives and marketable skills.