Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Senior Fellowship (Parent F33)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecast notice of its intention to publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Senior Fellowship, also known as the Parent F33. This initiative aims to support experienced scientists looking to significantly shift the direction of their research careers or expand their scientific competencies by gaining new research skills in health-related fields that align with the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The F33 award is designed to provide fellowship support for individuals with at least seven years of research experience beyond the doctorate level. This includes professionals at the associate or full professor level who have reached the stage of independent investigator. The grant primarily supports sabbatical experiences, offering opportunities for career enhancement and retraining. Applicants are expected to use the award to pursue rigorous research design, adopt advanced experimental methods, and develop quantitative and analytical research capabilities. This opportunity is discretionary in nature and offered in the form of a grant. The eligible fields for this fellowship cover a broad range of biomedical and health-related areas, as reflected in the associated Assistance Listings, which include Environmental Health, Oral Diseases and Disorders Research, Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Lung Diseases Research, and others. Although the total funding amount and individual award limits have not been disclosed in this forecast, applicants will be expected to submit robust and detailed training and research plans. Eligibility for this grant includes a wide array of institutions such as federally recognized Native American tribal governments, private and public institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and other Native American tribal organizations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, simplifying the financial planning needed to pursue this opportunity. The estimated timeline for this funding opportunity indicates a forecast release date of May 10, 2025, with an application due date projected for August 8, 2025. Award notifications are anticipated by April 10, 2026, which also serves as the expected project start date. These dates align with the NIH fiscal year 2026. For further inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce. The office can be reached via email at nihtrain@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-496-0180. Full details and the official application announcement will be available once the NOFO is published.