Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) | PA 19 192

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Individual Fellowship (Parent F30) under opportunity PA-19-192?

It is an NIH individual fellowship for predoctoral students in dual-doctoral training programs (such as combined professional-doctoral and research-doctoral tracks). This specific F30 (PA-19-192) is designed for students enrolled at institutions that do not have an NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training program, so eligible students at those schools still have a way to seek NIH support for integrated clinician-scientist training.

Who is this fellowship intended to support?

The fellowship is intended for predoctoral students pursuing dual-doctoral training who plan to become clinician-scientists (for example, students combining clinical/professional training with substantial research training). The focus is on strengthening the pathway toward a career that integrates clinical practice (or patient-facing care) with biomedical, behavioral, or other health-related research.

Which dual-degree programs are specifically mentioned as examples?

The information provided lists combined programs such as MD/PhD, DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, DVM/PhD, and similar dual-doctoral tracks.

What is the central goal of this F30 fellowship?

The central goal is to strengthen and formalize the combination of research and clinical training for predoctoral students who plan to become physician/clinician-scientists. NIH is looking for a training trajectory that credibly supports a future career at the intersection of clinical practice and health-related research.

What makes this F30 different from other training support at some institutions?

This FOA is meant to fill a gap for dual-degree trainees at institutions that do not have NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training grants. In other words, it provides an individual fellowship route for MD/PhD and other combined-degree students at schools without that particular NIH institutional training support.

What must be included in the application?

The FOA requires that the application include both: (1) an integrated research and clinical training plan, and (2) a dissertation research project.

What does NIH mean by an “integrated” research and clinical training plan?

Applicants are expected to show how the research and clinical components of their training fit together in a coherent way, rather than presenting them as separate or loosely connected experiences. The plan should demonstrate a clear, credible combined trajectory toward a clinician-scientist career.

What kind of research topics are appropriate for the dissertation research project?

The proposed research must fall within scientific, health-related areas that align with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Practically, that means the topic needs to be a good fit for NIH priorities and for the NIH component that could potentially fund the fellowship.

Is this fellowship meant to fund short-term research work, or long-term career development?

Based on the description provided, the fellowship is framed as career-shaping support. The overall proposed training and research experience should increase the applicant’s likelihood of becoming a productive, independent clinician-scientist, not simply provide short-term research funding.

Can an applicant propose to lead a clinical trial as the main fellowship project?

No. Applicants are not allowed to propose to lead an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial as the primary project of the fellowship.

Is any clinical trial experience allowed under this FOA?

Yes. The FOA allows the fellow to gain research experience within a clinical trial that is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor. The intent is to permit clinical trial training experience while keeping the fellow in a trainee role rather than assigning trial leadership responsibility.

What type of federal funding mechanism is this listed as?

The program is described as a discretionary grant under an education and health-related activity category, administered by the National Institutes of Health.

What kinds of organizations are eligible applicant organizations?

The eligibility list in the provided information includes a broad range of entities, including public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other categories included in the FOA’s eligibility list.

Are minority-serving institutions and certain specialized institution types included in the eligible categories?

Yes. The FOA explicitly notes that categories of institutions may apply, including 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 federal government agencies.

Can foreign (non-U.S.) institutions apply as the applicant organization?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.

Can a U.S. organization apply if the work is based in a non-U.S. component of that organization?

No. The FOA indicates that non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as components of the applicant organization.

Are any international elements allowed at all?

Yes, in a limited and rule-bound way. The FOA states that foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed. That means certain well-justified international elements may be included under NIH’s foreign component rules, even though the applicant organization itself must be domestic.

Does this opportunity apply to only one NIH Institute or Center?

No. The FOA is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (now commonly referenced as Assistance Listing numbers) spanning many NIH program areas. This suggests the fellowship may be relevant across a wide range of NIH Institutes and Centers, depending on the scientific focus of the application.

What is the opportunity number for this FOA?

The opportunity number provided is PA-19-192.

What is the original closing date mentioned in the provided information?

The source information excerpt lists an original closing date of 2020-06-29.

Does the provided excerpt state an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The excerpt does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards.

What should applicants do if they need the most current submission windows, budgets, or cycle details?

Because the excerpt references an original closing date and does not provide current cycle details, applicants would need to consult the full announcement and NIH guidance for up-to-date cycles, budgets, and submission windows.

In plain terms, what “gap” is this FOA trying to address?

It is designed for dual-degree trainees (like MD/PhD and similar combined tracks) at institutions that are not supported by NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training grants, giving those trainees an individual route to secure NIH support for an integrated clinician-scientist training pathway.