AHRQ Health Services Research Dissertation Program (R36)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supports high-impact research designed to improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, and outcomes of healthcare services across the United States. Through its Health Services Research Dissertation Program (R36), AHRQ seeks to strengthen the future of health services research by funding dissertation projects undertaken as part of accredited doctoral programs. The program prioritizes the development of evidence that supports patient safety, equitable care delivery, data-driven decision-making, and improved health outcomes, especially for historically underserved populations. This reissued funding opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and permanent residents who are full-time students in accredited research doctoral programs. Applicants must have completed all pre-dissertation degree requirements, including qualifying exams, and must not hold more than part-time employment exceeding 20 hours per week at the time of award. Projects must focus exclusively on U.S. healthcare delivery; international studies are not eligible. AHRQ explicitly encourages topics that contribute to its mission areas and demonstrate clear policy or practice relevance. Research that targets health disparities, structural inequities, and the social determinants of health is especially encouraged. The award includes a stipend consistent with the NRSA pre-doctoral level and allows up to $15,000 in direct costs for non-salary expenses. Total project periods may range from 9 to 17 months. Indirect costs are capped at 8% of modified total direct costs. Allowable expenses include tuition, data acquisition, transcription services, travel for data collection, and up to $1,500 for U.S.-based scientific conference attendance. Unallowable costs include salaries for individuals other than the applicant, consultant fees, and dissertation defense or deposit fees. The application process is rigorous and must be submitted through one of three systems: NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional S2S solution. Each submission must include a detailed budget justification, research strategy, letters of support from the dissertation advisor and candidate, biographical sketches, and institutional certification of dissertation eligibility. The review criteria emphasize significance, innovation, methodology, applicant potential, and alignment with AHRQ's mission and priority populations. Applications are accepted quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 annually, beginning in 2023 and continuing through May 7, 2028. Letters of intent are requested 30 days prior to the chosen submission date. Awards generally begin four months following application review. Questions regarding submission may be directed to Dr. Amy Chanlongbutra at Amornrat.Chanlongbutra@ahrq.hhs.gov or (301) 427-1542.

Ensure dissertation aligns with AHRQ priorities, especially in equity, affordability, and healthcare delivery; rigor and relevance to U.S. healthcare are critical review factors.