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Broadening participation: 20-year outcomes from undergraduate science training programs
Anna Woodcock1, Samantha D Aguilar2, Paul R Hernandez2
1Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA.
Science Advances
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Participation in NIH undergraduate programs like RISE and MARC more than doubles Ph.D. completion rates for underrepresented scientists. These findings highlight the long-term impact of sustained research training initiatives on workforce diversity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Research Training
- Workforce Diversity
Background:
- Women and underrepresented minorities remain underrepresented in doctoral biomedical research.
- Limited long-term evidence exists on the effectiveness of training initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term impact of National Institutes of Health (NIH) undergraduate programs on doctoral (Ph.D.) completion.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) and Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) programs.
Main Methods:
- A 20-year prospective, matched-control longitudinal study.
- Involved 743 students followed from 2005 to 2025.
- Utilized propensity score matching on 11 baseline characteristics.
Main Results:
- Program participants were more than twice as likely to earn a Ph.D. compared to matched peers.
- These effects remained robust after adjusting for academic achievement and career intentions.
- Demonstrated a durable expansion of participation in the biomedical research workforce.
Conclusions:
- Sustained undergraduate research training programs significantly increase Ph.D. completion rates.
- NIH programs like RISE and MARC are effective in diversifying the biomedical research workforce.
- Long-term investment in training initiatives yields substantial and lasting benefits.
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