Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) | PA 25 425

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30). The funding opportunity number is PA-25-425, and it is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is the purpose of the Parent F30 (PA-25-425)?

The fellowship is designed to support predoctoral students pursuing dual-doctoral degrees who plan careers as physician- or clinician-scientists. Its goal is to strengthen integrated training that bridges rigorous research development with clinical education, preparing fellows to become productive, independent investigators whose work is closely tied to human health.

Who is the fellowship intended to support?

It targets predoctoral students enrolled in combined dual-degree programs (such as MD/PhD) and other clinician-researcher pathways (for example DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, or DVM/PhD), specifically at institutions that do not have NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs.

What kinds of dual-degree programs are explicitly mentioned as examples?

The examples provided include MD/PhD, DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, and DVM/PhD programs, as well as other clinician-researcher pathways.

What is the overall training expectation for applicants?

Applicants are expected to propose a cohesive, integrated training plan that intentionally connects clinical and research experiences rather than treating them as separate tracks. The emphasis is on integrated development that supports a long-term clinician-scientist trajectory.

What are the two main components applicants are expected to propose?

Applicants are expected to lay out: (1) a dissertation research project in a health-related scientific area aligned with the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers, and (2) a training plan that builds the skills, mentorship, and professional trajectory required for a long-term clinician-scientist career.

Does the fellowship only fund a research project?

No. The fellowship is described as more than financial support for a project. It is intended to clearly add value to the candidate's development by sharpening research abilities, deepening scientific independence, and reinforcing the ability to translate clinical insight into impactful research questions.

How should the proposed research topic relate to NIH?

The dissertation research project should be in a health-related scientific area and align with the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers.

Are independent clinical trials allowed under this Parent F30 announcement?

No. The opportunity is intended for applicants whose proposed research does not include leading an independent clinical trial, conducting a clinical trial feasibility study, or running an ancillary clinical trial as the primary driver of the application.

Can a fellow gain experience in a clinical trial under this fellowship?

Yes. The NOFO allows the fellow to gain research experience within a clinical trial as long as the trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor. In other words, the candidate may participate in clinically oriented research settings without serving as the person directing the trial.

Why does the clinical trial distinction matter for applicants?

It matters because applicants may want clinical research exposure, but this specific F30 parent announcement has rules that prohibit the applicant from leading an independent clinical trial (or certain related trial activities) as the core of the application, while still permitting participation in a sponsor- or co-sponsor-led trial.

Who can serve as the applicant organization?

Eligibility for the applicant organization is broad across U.S.-based entities and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, a range of nonprofit and for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and eligible agencies of the federal government.

Are non-U.S. organizations eligible to apply?

No. Non-U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply under this opportunity.

Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations eligible to apply?

No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.

Are foreign components allowed at all?

Yes. Foreign components (as NIH defines them in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed. This generally means certain parts of the work or collaborations may occur outside the U.S. if they meet NIH policy requirements and are well-justified scientifically.

What type of funding mechanism is this?

This is an NIH discretionary grant mechanism under a fellowship-style NRSA program (an individual fellowship).

Is this opportunity tied to specific NIH Institutes and Centers?

It is associated with a wide set of CFDA numbers across NIH, reflecting that many NIH Institutes and Centers may participate depending on the scientific topic and its alignment with their missions.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PA-25-425.

When was the opportunity created?

The record indicates the opportunity was created on June 12, 2025.

What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The posted original closing date is May 7, 2028.

Does the listing specify an award ceiling?

No. The provided source details do not specify an award ceiling.

Does the listing specify the expected number of awards?

No. The provided source details do not list an expected number of awards, which can be common for NIH fellowship announcements where outcomes vary by institute priorities, budget conditions, and the strength of the applicant pool.

What does NIH seem to value in a competitive application (based on the description provided)?

Based on the provided description, a competitive application will typically make a clear case that the proposed research is important and feasible for a predoctoral fellow, the training plan is thoughtfully integrated with the dual-degree structure, mentorship and the institutional environment are strong, and the fellowship will materially accelerate the candidate's progression toward independence in a health-related research career.

What is the core goal of the fellowship for dual-degree trainees?

In practical terms, it is positioned as a pathway-building award for dual-degree trainees who need strong, structured support to develop into clinician-scientists, combining clinical insight with rigorous research training.