The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Predoctoral Research Training Grant for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program, issued by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports institutional training programs to develop future clinical and translational scientists. This program focuses on equipping predoctoral trainees with knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions, and behavioral modifications that improve public health. It aims to sustain a diverse and skilled workforce capable of accelerating translational research processes across the biomedical continuum. This funding opportunity does not permit trainees to lead independent clinical trials but encourages participation under the mentorship of senior investigators.

The program allows for new, renewal, and resubmission applications, with a budget tailored to the institution's corresponding CTSA hub tier: Tier G (4 trainee slots), Tier T (6 slots), Tier C (8 slots), and Tier A (10 slots). Application budgets must reflect NRSA support levels for stipends, tuition, training-related expenses, and travel. Trainee travel costs are capped at $1,500 per trainee annually. The anticipated project period is up to five years, contingent on NIH appropriations and meritorious applications. Indirect costs are reimbursed at eight percent of modified total direct costs. The earliest award start date is December 2025.

Eligibility is restricted to primary applicant organizations holding an active or pending Clinical and Translational Science Award (UM1), ensuring alignment with the broader CTSA program goals. Only one predoctoral T32 application per institution is allowed. Institutions must demonstrate sufficient staff, facilities, and resources to support the program while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and multidisciplinary research training environment. Participating faculty mentors are expected to undergo evidence-informed mentoring training and support trainee development across diverse research domains, including preclinical, clinical, population science, and implementation research.

Applications must include a detailed research training program plan, including program goals, curriculum, recruitment strategies, and mentorship oversight. Required attachments include a mentor/mentee assessment plan, retention plan, dissemination plan, sustainability strategy, and coordination with other CTSA programs such as K12 awards. A comprehensive evaluation plan is required to track trainee milestones, mentoring quality, and career outcomes over 15 years. Institutional letters of support must confirm administrative commitments, core facility access, and diversity and inclusion policies.

Applications will be reviewed for overall impact, focusing on the program’s ability to deliver rigorous, multidisciplinary research training, promote trainee success, and address workforce diversity. Specific evaluation criteria include program administration, faculty expertise, mentorship practices, trainee recruitment, and institutional support. Reviewers will also assess training in leadership, team science, and career development to prepare graduates for diverse translational science careers.

Key submission dates for this funding opportunity (PAR-25-194) include March 13, 2025, May 28, 2025, and subsequent cycles through September 28, 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov and NIH eRA Commons by 5:00 p.m. local time of the applicant organization. For additional details or inquiries, applicants may contact NCATS program officials listed in the announcement.