Purpose and Background Information

The overall goal of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) program is to help ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained scientists is available in appropriate scientific disciplines to address the Nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. More information about NRSA programs can be found at the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award website. The NRSA program has been the primary means of supporting predoctoral and postdoctoral research training programs since enactment of the NRSA legislation in 1974. Each NIGMS-funded NRSA program is expected to provide a rigorous, well-designed research training program that includes mentored research experiences, courses, seminars, and additional training opportunities to equip trainees with the following skills required for careers in the biomedical research workforce:

Program Considerations

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read information about the program on the Bridges to the Doctorate website and to contact NIGMS program staff before preparing or submitting an application  to verify that the proposed program is eligible and in alignment with NIGMS funding priorities.

Need for the Program

Advances in biomedical research depend upon a workforce composed of people trained in multiple disciplines and from a range of backgrounds who can provide the breadth of creativity, and individual interests, perspectives and experiences needed to identify and address important and complex scientific problems. Research shows that teams with members from different backgrounds that utilize their members' unique experiences and perspectives better capitalize on innovative ideas and outperform homogenous teams.

Program Objective

The Overarching Objective of the Bridges to the Doctorate program is to promote broad participation in the biomedical research workforce by strengthening research training environments and expanding the pool of well-trained master’s students who transition to and complete biomedical Ph.Ds.

General Considerations

Consistent with existing NIGMS practices and applicable law:

Type of Application Submissions

Please note the following before applying:

Clinical Trials

This NOFO does not allow appointed trainees to lead an independent clinical trial but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

Stipends, Tuition, and Fees

Kirschstein-NRSA awards provide stipends as a subsistence allowance to help defray living expenses during the research training experience.

Trainee Travel

Travel for trainees to attend scientific meetings and workshops that the organization determines to be necessary for the individual’s research training experience is an allowable expense.

Training Related Expenses

NIGMS will provide funds to help defray other research training expenses, such as trainee health insurance, staff salaries, consultant costs, equipment, research supplies, and faculty/staff travel directly related to the research training program.

Indirect Costs

Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, consortium costs in excess of $25,000, and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.