Institutional Training for the Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Research Workforce (T90/R90 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and operating as part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced its intent to publish a future Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program, entitled Institutional Training for the Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Research Workforce (T90/R90 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed), is designed to strengthen the pipeline of researchers across biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences. This notice is a forecasted opportunity, provided in advance to allow potential applicants adequate time to develop collaborations and prepare competitive applications. At this stage, applications are not being accepted. The purpose of the program is to provide training support for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers through the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) T90 mechanism, paired with the R90 Research Education Grant mechanism. Together, these funding mechanisms are intended to ensure that institutions can train individuals who are eligible for NRSA funding, as well as those who are not, thereby broadening the reach of research training programs. The program emphasizes developing a highly qualified workforce capable of advancing the nation’s biomedical research agenda, with a particular focus on oral diseases and craniofacial research. The scope of this initiative includes fostering interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary training. The NIDCR and other NIH Institutes and Centers encourage institutions to consider collaborations that combine expertise across multiple scientific fields. By strengthening mentor-mentee relationships and investing in comprehensive training strategies, the program aims to prepare researchers for long-term careers in science, particularly in areas aligned with NIH’s mission. While clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism, applicants are expected to create strong research training environments that provide broad exposure to innovative research methodologies. Eligibility for this forecasted opportunity includes a broad range of institutions and organizations. State governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, for-profit entities other than small businesses, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), private and public institutions of higher education are all eligible to apply. This wide eligibility reflects NIH’s intent to make research training opportunities accessible across diverse institutional types. The anticipated timeline for this program begins with a forecasted posting date of April 1, 2026. The estimated application due date is September 25, 2026, with anticipated award notices in June 2027. Projects are expected to begin on July 1, 2027, in alignment with NIH’s funding cycle. As this is a recurring NIH program mechanism, applicants should anticipate that similar opportunities will continue to be issued in future fiscal years. Currently, the program has no listed total funding, award ceiling, or floor. Those details will be available when the official NOFO is published. Applications will be reviewed for alignment with NIH training objectives, the strength of the proposed training environment, the quality of mentoring, and the potential for preparing trainees for productive careers. Potential applicants are encouraged to begin identifying mentors, collaborators, and institutional resources to strengthen their applications in advance of the official release of the NOFO. Questions about this program can be directed to Michele McGuirl, PhD, of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, who may be reached by phone at 240-401-8466 or via email at michele.mcguirl@nih.gov. In summary, this forecasted funding opportunity from NIH reflects a significant investment in building the future research workforce. By supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral training in areas critical to oral health and related scientific disciplines, NIH aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists who are well-prepared to advance biomedical research and respond to the nation’s evolving health challenges. Institutions interested in workforce development and interdisciplinary research training should begin early preparation to maximize their competitiveness when the funding opportunity is formally announced.