Expanding participation in the summer internship for indigenous peoples in genomics (sing) program

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded $296,053 to Native Bio-Data Consortium on August 17, 2026, to expand the Summer Internship for Indigenous Peoples in Genomics (SING) program under the Biomedical Research and Research Training assistance program (CFDA 93.859).

The award funds a five-year effort to expand SING, a six-day summer short course on genomics and its applications in engaging with tribal nations and Indigenous communities in scientific research. The program trains Indigenous students in next-generation genomic approaches, large dataset analyses, and ethical, legal, and social implications considerations relevant to tribal nations and Indigenous communities. Annual short courses will be held at universities across the United States with established research capacity, each year focusing on a topic with genetic components relevant to Indigenous communities and leveraging host institution expertise. A core of eight trainers drawn from SING alumni and former instructors who are subject matter experts in molecular biology, informatics, and tribal-engaged research will facilitate the courses. Beyond the summer short course, year-round virtual programming will support continuing engagement with SING participants and alumni, strengthen relationships among program affiliates, and develop novel approaches to Indigenous-community-centered scientific research that supports community interests and wellbeing.

Performance of work occurs in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. The period of performance runs from the award date through June 30, 2031.

Abstract

We propose to expand the programming and reach of a six-day summer short course on genomics and its impact in engaging with tribal nations and indigenous communities in scientific research. The short-term goals of the program, entitled the summer internship for indigenous peoples in genomics (sing), are to train students in next-generation genomic approaches, large dataset analyses, and the ethical, legal, and social implications (elsi) considerations when interacting with domestic dependent tribal nations and other indigenous communities. Training will be carried out through a summer short course held at universities across the united states with established research programs and facilities to give participants exposure to cutting-edge science for each of the five years during the award period (aim 1). Each short course will be oriented around a topic of relevance to indigenous communities that has a fundamental genetic component and takes advantage of local expertise in the host institution for that year. The short course will be facilitated by a core of eight trainers elected from among the alumni and former instructors of this program who are subject matter experts in molecular biology, informatics, and/or elsi approaches and tribal-engaged research. In addition to the short course, a larger program of continued support and engagement will be implemented and made available to new participants and prior alumni. Year-round programming will work to develop stronger relationships among individuals affiliated with the sing program to encourage alumni to continue in their scientific journeys and to develop novel approaches to engaging with indigenous communities around scientific research that supports community interests and wellbeing (aim 2). Programming will be provided virtually to reach the vast network of sing alumni that are already in place. Participants in the sing workshop during this funding period will also have the opportunity to work alongside of alumni who have labs in established research institutions in their second year of the program for ten weeks during the summer or further a research project of interest at their home institution that engages with indigenous communities. This combination of large and small group dynamics will encourage sing affiliates to meet new people in the sing network and gain deeper training in topics explored through the short course. A restructuring of the sing program leadership also will allow alumni of the program to move into leadership positions for the organization and contribute to training as part of the short course to gain leadership experience. Implementation of the program will be assessed using a 360 degree approach that includes participants during the summer short course, alumni of the sing program, an internal evaluator who previously participated in sing, and an indigenous external evaluation firm (aim 3). Assessments will be provided to sing leadership each year to make adjustments to the programming and better meet participant and alumni needs to accelerate their careers and tribal-engaged research interests.