The Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Graduate Program 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 minorities.

In addition to BMS, the Office of Graduate 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 Graduate Outreach works to increase and retain underrepresented graduate students at UCSF.

For Undergraduates and Proespective 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.
• Molecular Biosciences Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): The Molecular Biosciences (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics) REU program combines an outstanding summer laboratory research experience with activities designed to foster scientific communication and facilitate a transition to graduate school.
• Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Colloquium: Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, AGEP's purpose is to significantly increase the number of African American, Hispanic, and Native American students earning Ph.D.s in the physical and life sciences, math, and engineering. UCSF's primary AGEP project is the Health Sciences Research Colloquium for college juniors. This two-day event brings students from across the country to UCSF to learn about our graduate programs, participate in workshops with faculty and graduate students, and share their own research at a poster session.
• 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. Check our calendar (below) to see where we will be.

• Biomedical Research Career Enhancement Program (NIGMS Fellowship): 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.
• UCSF Minority Graduate Student Organization

View our Calendar to see what's happening!