The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31) is a funding opportunity provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support promising predoctoral students pursuing research training in scientific health-related fields. The fellowship is designed to provide mentored research training to candidates conducting dissertation research, enhancing their potential to become independent, productive research scientists. The program is relevant to the missions of multiple participating NIH Institutes and Centers, including the National Eye Institute (NEI), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and many others. The fellowship supports candidates enrolled in PhD or equivalent research programs but does not cover clinical training for dual-degree students.

The funding provides support for up to five years of predoctoral research training (or up to six years for dual-degree training) and offers stipends, tuition and fees, and an institutional allowance to help cover research-related costs such as health insurance, research supplies, books, and travel expenses. The goal of the program is to ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available to advance biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The training plan proposed by applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in rigorous research design, experimental methods, and analytical techniques. It must also emphasize research independence, academic and professional development, and interactions with the broader scientific community.

The application process follows NIH’s standardized submission guidelines, with required registrations through systems such as the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Candidates must work with a sponsoring institution that has the necessary resources to support their research training. Applications must include a well-defined training and research plan, a sponsor or mentor with relevant expertise, and evidence of the candidate’s commitment to a research career. The NIH strongly encourages consultation with staff before submission to ensure alignment with Institute-specific requirements.

The application deadlines follow NIH’s standard due dates, with three cycles per year: April, August, and December. Scientific merit review takes place in subsequent months, with funding decisions announced in alignment with NIH’s advisory council meetings. The earliest start date for a successful application is typically six months after submission. NIH does not allow applications proposing independent clinical trials under this NOFO, but candidates may engage in research experience within a trial led by their mentor or sponsor.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, and permanent residents who are currently enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research degree program. Applications must demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Sponsoring institutions can be public or private higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, or for-profit organizations with the appropriate research environment. Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also eligible to apply under specific conditions.

The review process evaluates candidates based on academic record, research training plan, sponsor qualifications, and the institutional environment. The program’s overall goal is to prepare individuals for a successful career in independent scientific research. Applications undergo peer review for scientific and technical merit, with funding decisions based on merit, availability of funds, and alignment with program priorities. NIH provides additional guidance through its grant policy statement, and successful applicants must comply with federal regulations related to research integrity, inclusivity, and data management.