Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plans to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31). NIH is the nation’s medical research agency and is known for supporting scientific studies that improve health, reduce disease burdens, and enhance life expectancy. This funding announcement is currently in the forecasted stage and aims to solicit applications once formally posted. The objective of the NRSA F31 fellowship is to support promising predoctoral students engaged in biomedical research by providing them with mentored research training experiences under qualified faculty sponsors. The intention is to develop a rigorous and personalized training plan that equips the fellows with advanced scientific skills necessary for a successful research career in health-related disciplines. The research and training proposed must align with the missions of the NIH Institutes and Centers participating in the opportunity. Applicants are expected to work closely with their mentors to propose a research project and comprehensive training plan that emphasizes research design, experimental methodology, quantitative techniques, and data analysis. The training must facilitate career progression and support the transition to the next stage of a research-oriented career. Projects should clearly articulate the relevance of the research and the expected impact on the fellow’s development and the field of health sciences. The opportunity falls under multiple health-related funding categories, including research in mental health, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, aging, child health, and more. Funding will be issued in the form of grants, with no cost-sharing or matching required. Although the total program funding and specific award amounts are not yet disclosed, the fellowship is anticipated to provide substantial support tailored to the needs of each fellow. Eligibility for the NRSA F31 fellowship includes small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status excluding higher education institutions, and both private and public institutions of higher education. Applications are anticipated to open on June 6, 2025, with a submission deadline of August 8, 2025. Awards are expected to be made by April 10, 2026, which is also the projected start date for the funded projects. For more information, applicants may contact the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce at the NIH via email at nihtrain@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-496-0180. This fellowship represents an important opportunity for emerging biomedical researchers to gain the skills and experience necessary for a productive scientific career.