NIH Diversity Programs Found to Double Undergraduate PhD Odds in 20-Year Study

A 20‑year study published in Science Advances reports that two NIH‑funded diversity initiatives, the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) and Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC), doubled the likelihood that an undergraduate student would go on to earn a Ph.D.

The analysis covered a large cohort of students and compared outcomes for participants in the programs with those who did not receive the support, finding a clear advantage for the former group.

Both RISE and MARC lost their federal funding last year after the Trump administration ended the initiatives, and the study’s own funding was also terminated.

Researchers say the results highlight the value of mentoring and targeted support for underrepresented students, especially as the political environment becomes less favorable to such programs.