Deadline to apply for R25 Emerging Scholars Training Program

Are you interested in gaining hands-on experience in data science and infectious disease research? The NIH-funded R25 Big Data Analytics Emerging Scholar (e-Scholar) Training Program offers underrepresented undergraduate students the opportunity to build valuable skills and work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge research projects over the course of a year-long training program. 

Benefits of the Program: 

• • Fully Funded Summer Institute: Campus housing and a $1,790 stipend provided for a 6-week in-person training camp at the USC Columbia campus, so you can focus on learning and making the most of the experience!  
• • $3,000 Research Stipend: Earn $1,500 per semester. 
• • Conference Travel Support: Up to $1,500 to attend and present at a regional or national conference. 
• • Interdisciplinary Mentoring: Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced researchers and career mentors. 
• • Hands-on Research Experience: Participate in a year-long project focused on Big Data and infectious disease research. 
• • Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, attend retreats, and present your work at the program’s graduation retreat. 

Program Overview:
This NIAID-funded program recruits up to 12 undergraduate students each year from institutions across South Carolina such as USC, Clemson, College of Charleston, South Carolina State University, Claflin University, and Benedict College. Students from other SC institutions are also encouraged to apply. Participants will focus on data science research in areas like HIV, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases and gain valuable skills in data analytics and research methods. The program will provide students with interdisciplinary mentoring (including team and peer mentoring), comprehensive curriculum-based training, and hands-on research exposure and experience. 

This year-long training program includes a 6-week, full-time, in-person summer training institute held on the USC Columbia campus. After completion of the summer institute, students will continue their training under the guidance of faculty mentors, work with established research scientists on Big Data related infectious disease studies, gain research and professional development experience, and develop confidence in pursuing a postgraduate program or career in Big Data-focused infectious disease research.

This program is designed to create a more diverse research community across South Carolina. It encourages undergraduate students who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences to pursue data science research focused on preventing, treating, and understanding diseases like HIV, COVID-19, and other infections, as well as immune and allergy-related conditions. 

All R25 trainees must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Be enrolled at a university/college in South Carolina;
2. Be an undergraduate student from any discipline with an expected graduation date after May 2026;
3. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and have completed at least on year of college by May 2025;
4. Identify as an underrepresented minority or a disabled or disadvantaged individual as defined by the NIH;
5. Have an academic advisor at your home institution;
6. Be a US citizen or permanent resident; and
7. Be at least 18 years old.

How to apply:
Students interested in the R25 e-Scholar program should complete an application via the application portal by 11:59pm on March 3, 2025. The application will request additional supplemental information including:

1. A personal statement (max 2 pages double spaced) describing their interest in data science infectious disease research and their career and educational goals;
2. A recent resume or curriculum vitae;
3. A letter of support from their home school/academic advisor (on official university letterhead); and
4. A copy of their unofficial transcript.

Applications should be submitted via the application portal by 11:59pm on March 3, 2025.