Individual NRSA for Dual-Doctoral Degree Students in non-MSTP Institutions

Purpose

Individual fellowships for predoctoral training which leads to the combined MD/PhD and other dual Clinical/Research degrees for students at institutions without NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs (e.g., Medical Scientist Training Programs, or MSTP). NINDS does not support the F30 mechanism at MSTP institutions.

Program Announcement

PA-25-425

Due Dates for all Applications

April 8, August 8, December 8

Eligibility

Applications are open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents in dual-degree graduate/clinical programs at U.S. domestic institutions.

Additional Information

Relationship to the mentor's research

NINDS will not support fellowship applications if the specific aims, questions being asked or approach to answering a specific question are fundamentally identical to those already proposed in the mentor’s grants. While it is expected that the candidate will work with the mentor to develop the application, the candidate must write an original research plan consistent with the mentor’s funded research. Candidates should not simply be working towards fulfillment of specific aims already devised by the mentor.

See NINDS policy on project overlap and fellowship applications(pdf, 131 KB) for more information.

Indicating contribution and ownership

Candidates are strongly advised not to write with the plural pronoun (we), or to refer to themselves in the third person. It is critical that NINDS and reviewers understand what the candidate is doing, what the candidate is proposing, what the candidate themself has written, and what has or will be done by others in the research environment. Similarly, the sponsor is encouraged to use first person in their statement.

Students at institutions with NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs

NINDS uses the F30 National Research Service Award (NRSA) mechanism only to support students at institutions without formal NIH-funded institutional predoctoral dual-degree training programs (e.g., Medical Scientist Training Programs, or MSTP). Students at institutions with formal NIH-funded predoctoral dual-degree training programs may apply for F31 NRSA funding, which supports graduate education only.

Duration of funding

NINDS will provide funding to candidates who are within 8 years of starting their entire MD/PhD training – funded awards will not extend beyond the 8th year in the MD/PhD program. NINDS holds strictly to the eligibility requirements described in the F30 NOFO. Candidates must be within the first 48 months of their entire dual degree program to submit an initial (A0) application. A minimum of 50% of F30 funding must support research training leading to the research doctorate (during this time, 100% of full time effort to research training is expected, with a maximum of ½ day per week allowed for clinical training experiences).

Should the candidate’s timeline change following submission of an F30 application, the award will be adjusted as needed to maintain the requirement that a minimum of 50% of the support be used toward research training (at 100% full time effort). Candidates are expected to contact NINDS if there is a change in plans either before or after the award is made. For awards to be made, applications must clearly indicate the timeline of the entire dual degree program, and the portion of that program for which the award is requested.

Pre-application guidance

Applicants are encouraged to contact NINDS before preparing an application, as NINDS will consider only those applications that are designed to support the training and development of scientists with interests relevant to the mission of NINDS.