Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) | PA 19 191

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 19 191

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) is an NIH fellowship opportunity designed specifically for predoctoral students who are enrolled in dual-doctoral training pathways such as MD/PhD and other comparable combined clinical and research degree programs (including DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, DVM/PhD, and similar tracks). The core aim is to strengthen the kind of tightly integrated training that physician- and clinician-scientists need, blending rigorous dissertation-focused research preparation with meaningful clinical development so that graduates are positioned to become productive, independent investigators with a foot firmly in both worlds. This FOA is meant to support students at institutions that already have NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs, so it is targeted to settings with established infrastructure for this type of integrated training.

To be competitive, an applicant is expected to lay out two things in a cohesive way: first, a well-justified dissertation research project in a health-related scientific area that aligns with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers; and second, an integrated training plan that explains how the applicant will combine research training and clinical training across the fellowship period. The NIH emphasis here is not simply on funding a research project in isolation, but on showing that the fellowship will add clear value to the applicant’s overall development, particularly in ways that accelerate the transition into a long-term physician/clinician-scientist career. In other words, reviewers are looking for a plan that demonstrates thoughtful sequencing and integration of clinical responsibilities, research milestones, mentorship, and professional development so the applicant emerges with stronger independence, deeper scientific expertise, and a credible pathway toward a sustained research career.

There are also important boundaries around clinical trial involvement. Under this announcement, an applicant cannot propose to lead an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial as the primary driver of the application. However, the FOA does allow a fellow to gain research experience within a clinical trial that is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor, which means applicants can still build clinically relevant research skills and exposure to trial operations as long as they are not positioned as the person directing the trial itself. This distinction matters for applicants whose work intersects with clinical research, because it shapes what kinds of aims, methods, and roles can be proposed while remaining responsive to the FOA.

From an eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health and is listed as a discretionary grant mechanism in the education and health-related funding activity space. Eligible applicant organizations are broad and include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other categories specified by the FOA. The announcement explicitly highlights inclusion of organizations such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and eligible agencies of the federal government. At the same time, it draws clear lines regarding foreign involvement: non-U.S. (foreign) institutions are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply; however, foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed, meaning certain aspects of the training or research could involve a foreign component if it fits NIH policy and is appropriately justified.

The specific FOA referenced is PA-19-191, created on February 22, 2019, with an original closing date listed as June 30, 2020. Multiple CFDA program numbers are associated with this opportunity, reflecting participation across a range of NIH institutes and programs in biomedical and health research. While the source data does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the excerpt provided, the overall structure and intent are clear: this is a fellowship mechanism focused on investing in the next generation of clinician-scientists by supporting a well-mentored dissertation project and a carefully designed, genuinely integrated clinical-research training experience at institutions with NIH-backed dual-degree training environments.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, food and nutrition, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.213, 93.233, 93.242, 93.273, 93.307, 93.351, 93.398, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.840, 93.847, 93.865, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-02-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-06-30. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 19 191

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