Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) | PA 25 426

FAQs: NIH Parent F30 (PA-25-426) for Dual-Degree Predoctoral Students

What is this funding opportunity?

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30) is an NIH individual fellowship for predoctoral students pursuing an integrated dual-degree pathway that combines a clinical doctorate with a research doctorate. The opportunity is designed to support dissertation-focused research training alongside a deliberately planned clinical training experience that fits together as one integrated program.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is PA-25-426.

Who is this fellowship intended for?

This Parent F30 is intended for predoctoral trainees enrolled in integrated dual-degree programs where the expectation is preparation for a physician-scientist or clinician-scientist career. The emphasis is on building research independence while also developing strong clinical insight through a coherent, integrated training plan.

Which dual-degree programs are specifically mentioned as examples?

The opportunity describes integrated dual-degree programs such as MD/PhD and equivalent pathways, including DO/PhD, DDS/PhD, AuD/PhD, and DVM/PhD.

What is the main goal of the Parent F30 described here?

The central aim is to strengthen both parts of the pipeline at the same time: rigorous dissertation-centered research training and well-planned clinical training that is clearly integrated (not treated as two separate tracks). The application is expected to show that the proposed training and mentoring will accelerate the candidate toward a productive, independent clinician-scientist career.

Is this opportunity focused more on funding a research project or on supporting training?

Based on the description provided, the fellowship is framed as a training-focused mechanism. Reviewers are expected to see how the proposed research project and the integrated training and mentoring plan will develop the fellow into an independent investigator with meaningful clinical insight, rather than viewing the award as simply project funding.

What kind of research project is expected?

Applicants must propose a dissertation research project in a health-related scientific area that aligns with the mission interests of participating NIH Institutes and Centers. The project should be positioned within a broader training plan that supports the candidate's trajectory toward independence as a clinician-scientist.

What training plan elements are expected in the application?

In addition to the dissertation research plan, the application needs to include an integrated research and clinical training plan. This plan should explain how research training and clinical training are intentionally designed to work together and how the candidate will develop toward becoming an independent investigator with strong clinical perspective.

Why does the NOFO emphasize the institution's training environment?

This NOFO is specifically targeted to students at institutions that already have NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs. That requirement implies the surrounding environment is expected to be structured, robust, and well-supported, and the application should fit within that context.

Does the proposed research have to match specific NIH priorities?

Yes. The research project is expected to be in a health-related scientific area and to align with the mission interests of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers.

Can an applicant lead an independent clinical trial under this Parent F30?

No. The Parent F30 described here is intended for candidates whose proposed research does not include leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial.

Is any clinical trial experience allowed under this opportunity?

Yes. The announcement allows the applicant to gain research experience in a clinical trial, as long as the trial is led by a sponsor or co-sponsor. This creates room for hands-on clinical research training without placing independent trial leadership responsibilities on the fellow under this mechanism.

Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

How is this opportunity categorized (award type and general area)?

It is categorized as a discretionary grant. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category spans education and health-related areas (along with related public purpose categories listed in the NOFO).

When was this opportunity created and what is the listed closing date?

The opportunity was created on 2025-06-12. The original closing date listed is 2028-05-07.

Is there an award ceiling listed?

No award ceiling is listed in the provided summary fields.

Does the summary specify the expected number of awards?

No. The provided summary fields do not specify an expected number of awards.

If the summary does not list an award ceiling or number of awards, what should applicants rely on?

The description indicates that applicants should rely on the full NOFO text and NIH institute participation details for the most current expectations related to budgeting and award volume.

What types of applicant organizations are listed as eligible?

The eligibility listing is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, certain nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other eligible entities as reflected in the listing.

Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?

No. Non-U.S. (foreign) organizations are not eligible to apply.

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 typically means a U.S.-based applicant may include certain well-justified foreign elements in the project when permitted and properly documented, even though the applicant organization itself must be eligible and not foreign.

What does a strong Parent F30 application generally need to demonstrate (based on this summary)?

The strongest applications are described as those that make integration obvious and credible: a scientifically compelling, mission-relevant research project; a training plan that deliberately builds the competencies needed for a clinician-scientist pathway; and a mentoring and training environment that convincingly supports development into a future independent investigator.

What is the core idea behind the "integrated" requirement?

The summary frames integration as intentionally blending dissertation research training with clinical training so they fit together as a coherent program, rather than being treated as separate, disconnected phases or tracks.