Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Parent F31) | PA 18 666

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Parent F31) is an NIH fellowship program (funding opportunity number PA-18-666) that supports predoctoral students through a structured, mentored research training experience in health-related research.

What is the main purpose of the Parent F31 Diversity fellowship?

The central goal is to strengthen and broaden the nation’s health-related research workforce by increasing diversity in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The program supports predoctoral researchers from groups shown to be underrepresented in these fields so they can build the training, mentorship, and experience needed for long-term research careers.

Who is the program designed to support?

This opportunity is intended for promising predoctoral students from groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations and individuals with disabilities.

Why does NIH emphasize diversity in this fellowship?

The program is built on the idea that diversity improves the quality, relevance, and reach of scientific discovery, particularly in areas that directly affect human health. Increasing diversity in the research pipeline is a core objective of this opportunity.

Is this fellowship about funding a research project or funding training?

It is primarily a training-focused fellowship. Applicants propose a clearly defined health-related research project, but the award is meant to support an individualized, mentored research training experience under the guidance of an accomplished faculty sponsor. NIH emphasizes that the mentored training should meaningfully improve the applicant’s potential to become a productive, independent research scientist over time.

What kind of research does this opportunity support?

Applicants are expected to propose a clearly defined research project in a health-related scientific area that aligns with the mission of one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The listing describes the program as relevant to biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research.

What role does mentorship play in this program?

Mentorship is central. The fellowship is designed around close guidance from an accomplished faculty sponsor, hands-on research experience, and a structured training plan that develops the fellow’s skills and supports progress toward long-term success as an independent researcher.

What is meant by a "structured, mentored research training experience"?

Based on the listing, this refers to a training-focused fellowship experience where the fellow conducts research while following an individualized plan for research training, supported by active mentorship. The intent is skill development, professional growth, and improved readiness for an independent scientific career.

Which federal agency administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number provided is PA-18-666.

Are there specific NIH components involved?

The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers, which indicates that a range of NIH Institutes and Centers may participate or support awards through their respective authorities. The project proposed by the applicant should align with the mission of a participating NIH Institute or Center.

Does the listing include the award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The provided information states that the listing does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.

What broad federal activity categories does this opportunity fall under?

The listing places the opportunity under broad federal activity categories that include education and health, among others noted in the source data such as environment, food and nutrition, and social services.

What types of organizations are eligible at the organizational level?

The source data lists broad organizational eligibility, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and an "others" category.

Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?

Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights eligibility for several institution types closely tied to the diversity mission, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations included in eligibility?

Yes. The information provided states that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are explicitly highlighted among eligible applicant organization types and settings.

What is the overall aim for the fellow’s career development?

The fellowship is intended to build the fellow’s research skills and trajectory through mentorship and a training plan, with NIH emphasizing that the training should improve the applicant’s potential to become a productive, independent research scientist over time.