The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) is designed to support promising predoctoral students in health-related fields. It provides funding for students to receive personalized, mentored research training while working on their dissertation projects. The goal is to help these students develop into independent research scientists. While you can't lead your own clinical trial, you can gain experience by participating in one led by your mentor.
Who it's for: This grant is for predoctoral students who are working on dissertation projects in scientific health-related fields. Applicants should be affiliated with institutions such as private or public universities, nonprofits, or small businesses. The research should align with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Proposing to lead an independent clinical trial
- Not being a predoctoral student
- Research not related to health fields
- Not having a faculty sponsor
- Affiliation with non-eligible institutions
What You May Need
- Research proposal
- Mentor's endorsement
- Proof of enrollment in a doctoral program
- Institutional affiliation
- Detailed budget plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation
- Description of dissertation project
- NIH Biosketch
- Training plan
Cautions
- Ensure research aligns with NIH missions
- Cannot lead your own clinical trial
- Strict adherence to application guidelines
- Verify institutional eligibility
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Use of Funds
The funds can be used to support the student's research training and dissertation project. This includes costs related to research activities, training, and possibly participation in a clinical trial led by a mentor.
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 12, 2025
- Deadline
- May 7, 2028(786 days)
- Archive Date
- Jun 12, 2028
- Last Updated
- Jun 13, 2025
Application Checklist
- Review the full grant announcement on the official source
- Confirm your organization's eligibility
- Check if registration on SAM.gov/Grants.gov is required
- Gather required documents (budgets, financials, etc.)
- Identify matching funds if cost-sharing is required
- Draft project narrative and work plan
- Get required internal approvals and signatures
- Submit application before the deadline