PA-25-422
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31)
Summary
Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31)
Research Focus
The F31 fellowship supports predoctoral students conducting mentored biomedical research in health-related scientific fields aligned with NIH Institute and Center missions. The program targets promising doctoral candidates who will develop rigorous research training in experimental design, quantitative methods, and data analysis while pursuing dissertation research. Research areas span the full scope of NIH—including neuroscience, cancer biology, immunology, cardiovascular disease, aging, environmental health, genomics, and clinical research—though candidates cannot lead independent clinical trials (participation in sponsor-led trials is permitted). The fellowship aims to enhance candidates' independence in conceptualizing research problems, conducting state-of-the-art investigations, and publishing first-author findings, thereby preparing them for successful transition to postdoctoral or independent research careers.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Predoctoral students enrolled in accredited PhD, MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD, or equivalent research-focused doctoral programs; must have identified a specific research project and faculty sponsor before or shortly after application.
- Funding & project length: Up to 5 years of aggregate support (6 years for dual-degree training); stipends, tuition/fees, and institutional allowance provided; exact amounts not stated in this document.
- Award mechanism: Individual fellowship grant (F31); new, resubmission, and renewal applications accepted (renewals rare).
- Key dates: Applications open July 8, 2025; rolling due dates (August 8, December 8, April 8 each cycle); earliest start April 2026; program expires May 8, 2028.
- Best fit for: Doctoral researchers in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences seeking mentored training in rigorous experimental methods and independent research skills across 20+ NIH institutes and centers.
Key Facts
Deadline
Sun, May 7, 2028
Posted
Thu, June 12, 2025
Max Duration
5 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
Candidates cannot propose to lead an independent clinical trial, but the distinction between 'independent' and 'non-independent' clinical trials is not clearly defined, creating ambiguity about what t
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Source Text
“This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) does not allow fellowship candidates to propose to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow candidates to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a sponsor or co-sponsor.”
The FOA strongly encourages candidates to consult a Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts to ensure their application meets the requirements of their target IC, implying th
85%
Source Text
“Because of the differences in individual Institute and Center (IC) program requirements for this announcement, prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to consult the Table of IC-Specific Information, Requirements and Staff Contacts, to make sure that their application is appropriate for the requirements of one of the participating NIH ICs.”
The FOA states that individual fellowship awards are 'generally not renewable' but allows renewal 'in rare cases' without specifying what constitutes a rare case or how to determine eligibility for re
80%
Source Text
“Renewal - Individual fellowship awards are generally not renewable. In rare cases in which fellowship awardees require further fellowship support, they should consult with NIH staff to obtain advice regarding submission of a renewal application”