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You are mixing issues (and making incorrect assumptions) in your reasoning. 1) The number of MSTP T32 training slots, 2) the enrollment into the MD/PhD program described in the T32 grant application, and 3) the actual enrollment (number of first-year trainees) into the program are three different and separate issues.
The first is determined by NIGMS funding decisions and might vary some years based on performance. For the most part, the NIGMS program officers follow the recommendation from the study section. However, some times, they give extra slots if available, as justified in prior RPPR, and in the end, if there is an availability of funds (for example, less available during continuing resolution due to Congressional decisions or lack of them).
Second, the program should describe variability from their proposed program enrollment in their annual RPPR to NIH. The explanation might impact funding decisions.
Third, matriculation into a MSTP and selecting who is funded for a year with a T32 slot are two separate decisions. The MSTP T32 only supports up to 25% of trainees in a given year (but the T32 only funds 60-80% of that cost), and that is for a program at steady-state. Some programs have a 3-year average target of enrollment, some programs only offer their target number of acceptances, and move from waitlist to AC as applicants withdraw after acceptance. Most programs use institutional funds to cover the difference, with some programs having endowments and/or other sources of support.
Some additional rules of MSTP T32s:
MSTP training slots support training for a student for one academic year (July-June), and can be used at any time along the 7-9 year of training. Having said that, programs mostly use them to cover for medical school years, as they ask PhD mentors to pay a research graduate assistant stipend (and tuition) from their R01s and other federal funds. A trainee can not be supported for more than 6 years by a combination of T32 and/or F30/F31. In general, I try to make sure that every trainee in my program is supported by a T32 training slot for at least one year. However, regardless of whether they were supported by the T32, every single trainee is considered MSTP trainee in our T32 MSTP outcomes, letters of recommendation, or Dean's letter (i.e.: MSPE).
The first is determined by NIGMS funding decisions and might vary some years based on performance. For the most part, the NIGMS program officers follow the recommendation from the study section. However, some times, they give extra slots if available, as justified in prior RPPR, and in the end, if there is an availability of funds (for example, less available during continuing resolution due to Congressional decisions or lack of them).
Second, the program should describe variability from their proposed program enrollment in their annual RPPR to NIH. The explanation might impact funding decisions.
Third, matriculation into a MSTP and selecting who is funded for a year with a T32 slot are two separate decisions. The MSTP T32 only supports up to 25% of trainees in a given year (but the T32 only funds 60-80% of that cost), and that is for a program at steady-state. Some programs have a 3-year average target of enrollment, some programs only offer their target number of acceptances, and move from waitlist to AC as applicants withdraw after acceptance. Most programs use institutional funds to cover the difference, with some programs having endowments and/or other sources of support.
Some additional rules of MSTP T32s:
MSTP training slots support training for a student for one academic year (July-June), and can be used at any time along the 7-9 year of training. Having said that, programs mostly use them to cover for medical school years, as they ask PhD mentors to pay a research graduate assistant stipend (and tuition) from their R01s and other federal funds. A trainee can not be supported for more than 6 years by a combination of T32 and/or F30/F31. In general, I try to make sure that every trainee in my program is supported by a T32 training slot for at least one year. However, regardless of whether they were supported by the T32, every single trainee is considered MSTP trainee in our T32 MSTP outcomes, letters of recommendation, or Dean's letter (i.e.: MSPE).