Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) was established in 1985 and serves as the academic home within the University of Pennsylvania for roughly 700 students pursuing a PhD in the basic biomedical sciences. Although BGS is housed within the Perelman School of Medicine, it is composed of more than 600 faculty members across seven Penn schools and several associated institutes. BGS provides training and administration through seven graduate groups, some of which have distinct sub-specialty areas.

A major objective is to provide research training opportunities to students from populations that have traditionally been underrepresented in science, including those who are from underrepresented minority groups or are disadvantaged or disabled.