Interested in applying to one of the IBSC’s training programs? Each program’s application requirements, as well as links to each required form are provided below.
Please note, applications are for fellowships and not new research proposals. Program applications will be judged on the basis of their appropriateness for the trainee; likelihood of completion in the proposed training timeline; strength of proposed mentoring plan; and whether the proposed research supports career development as an independent researcher.
Have a question about your application or required materials?
Having trouble with the forms?
Most forms are 100% web-based and can be completed in your browser. Please be sure to use Google Chrome if you encounter issues with the forms. Please note that to save in-progress form data you must be a current IBSC Trainee or Mentor and logged-in.
How many Letters of Recommendation do I need?
Training Programs requiring Letters of Recommendation (LOR) in addition to the Sponsoring Mentor Form. LORs should ideally be from someone OTHER than your UCSC Sponsoring Mentor. A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) LORs can be provided in support of your application.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
| Program | Application Deadline | Cohort Starts |
|---|---|---|
| CIRM Predoc | August 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| CIRM Postdoc | August 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| T32 Postdoc | August 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| GAIN Postdoc | March 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
| GAIN Undergrad | March 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
| UC-DDI Predoc | March 1, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
CIRM Postdoctoral Fellowship
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | The CIRM Application Form is now 100% web-based. | |
| Demographic Form | ** The demographic form is now included as part of the CIRM Application Form ** | Demographics forms are NOT provided to the external selection committee and are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
| UCSC Sponsoring Mentor | Please have your sponsoring mentor complete this web-based form. If you have any issues or questions, please contact IBSC@UCSC.EDU | |
| Research Plan |
(1) PDF format (2) 2 pages max. (not including references or timeline) (3) Arial font (4) 11pt font (or larger) (5) 0.5″ page margins |
Please develop your proposed research plan in collaboration with your research mentor. Please include a statement on how your proposed research aligns with CIRM priorities, and an approximate timeline for proposed activities. Proposed timeline should fit within the total training program duration of two (2) years.This PDF is uploaded as part of the Application Form |
| Letter of Recommendation (1 required; limit 3) |
All letters of recommendation should be submitted to the IBSC by the author of the letter. Instructions regarding what should be discussed can be found on the Form web page. A copy of each submission will be sent automatically to the recommender upon completion. |
CIRM Predoctoral Fellowship
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | The CIRM Application Form is now 100% web-based. | |
| Demographic Form | ** The demographic form is now included as part of the CIRM Application Form ** | Demographics forms are NOT provided to the external selection committee and are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
| UCSC Sponsoring Mentor | Please have your sponsoring mentor complete this web-based form. If you have any issues or questions, please contact IBSC@UCSC.EDU | |
| Research Plan | (1) PDF format (2) 2 pages max. (not including references or timeline) (3) Arial font (4) 11pt font (or larger) (5) 0.5″ page margins | Please develop your proposed research plan in collaboration with your research mentor. Please include a statement on how your proposed research aligns with CIRM priorities, and an approximate timeline for proposed activities. Proposed timeline should fit within the total training program duration of three (3) years. This PDF is uploaded as part of the Application Form |
| Letter of Recommendation (1 required; limit 3) |
All letters of recommendation should be submitted to the IBSC by the author of the letter. Instructions regarding what should be discussed can be found on the Form web page. A copy of each submission will be sent automatically to the recommender upon completion. |
T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | The T32 Application Form is now 100% web-based. | |
| Demographic Form | ** The demographic form is now included as part of the CIRM Application Form ** | Demographics forms are NOT provided to the external selection committee and are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
| UCSC Sponsoring Mentor | Please have your sponsoring mentor complete this web-based form. If you have any issues or questions, please contact IBSC@UCSC.EDU | |
| Research Plan | (1) PDF format (2) 2 pages max. (not including references or timeline) (3) Arial font (4) 11pt font (or larger) (5) 0.5″ page margins | Please develop your proposed research plan in collaboration with your research mentor. Proposed timeline should fit within the total training program duration of two (2) years. This PDF is uploaded as part of the Application Form |
| Letter of Recommendation (1 required; limit 3) |
All letters of recommendation should be submitted to the IBSC by the author of the letter. Instructions regarding what should be discussed can be found on the Form web page. A copy of each submission will be sent automatically to the recommender upon completion. |
GAIN Postdoctoral Mentorship
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Please ensure your advisor consents to your application and participation in the program. | |
| Demographic Form | ** The demographic form is now included as part of the GAIN Application Form ** | Demographics forms are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
GAIN CSUMB Undergrad
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Please ensure you include a CSUMB faculty member as a reference for your application. | |
| Demographic Form | ** The demographic form is now included as part of the GAIN Application Form ** | Demographics forms are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
UC Doctoral Diversity Initiative
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | ||
| Demographic Form |
** The demographic form is now included as part of the UC-HSI-DDI Application Form ** |
Demographics forms are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |
UC-DDI Family Science Weekend
| Requirement | Form / Requirements | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | ||
| Demographic Form | Demographics forms are NOT utilized for scoring. All demographics are for reporting purposes ONLY. |