A program to enhance diversity in biomedical research careers
Official title: LEADER Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11057097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The LEADER Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program is designed to give students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions a chance to dive into hands-on research in environmental health and biomedical sciences, helping them build skills and confidence for graduate school while promoting diversity in science.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $128,344 |
| NIH project number | 1R25ES037155-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate students from HBCUs and HSIs who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in environmental health and biomedical sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Students who are not from HBCUs or HSIs or those who are not pursuing a career in biomedical or environmental health sciences may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The LEADER Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program (LSURP) aims to increase diversity among applicants for graduate programs in environmental health and biomedical sciences. This program provides immersive summer research experiences for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Participants will engage in hands-on research, gain exposure to various scientific fields, and develop skills that are essential for success in graduate studies. The program emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing scientific discoveries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in biomedical research, ultimately enhancing scientific innovation and discovery.
How similar studies have gone: Similar programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields have shown success in enhancing the representation of underrepresented groups in graduate education.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richburg, John H — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Richburg, John H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.