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. These fellowships usually provide 2-3 years of support (partial stipend, tuition & fees, health insurance, some supply funds). The applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and he/she must be in good academic standing. Submission deadlines occur in April, August, and December. Full list of award descriptions: http://grants.nih.gov/training/F_files_nrsa.htm 

F31 Individual Predoctoral Fellowship - PA-21-051
Funding available only during PhD training. 
Submission Dates: April 8, August 8, December 8

F31-Diversity Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research - PA-21-052
Funding available only during PhD training. 
Special criteria: applicant must be part of an underrepresented minority, from a disadvantaged background, or have a disability.
Contact the Fellowship Team for certification letter.
Submission Dates: April 8, August 8, December 8

F31 Bioinformatics Interdisciplinary Predoctoral Fellowship in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases - PAR-19-378
Funding available only during PhD training.
Special Criteria: For trainees who are applying and integrating bioinformatics, data science and/or computational approaches to a compelling research question relevant to the mission NIDDK's Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases.
Submission Dates: April 8, August 8, December 8

F30 Fellowship for Students at Institutions With NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs - PA-21-049
Funding available for MD and PhD training phases. 
Special criteria: applicant must be in first 48 months of formal dual-degree program. 
Submission Dates: April 8, August 8, December 8

The NCI Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award (F99/K00) - RFA-CA-21-059
Special Criteria: only two students can be selected to submit an application (one UTHealth, one MD Anderson).  International students are eligible to apply.
GSBS is hosting an internal selection process to select final nominees. 
Internal Submission Deadline: September 1

The overall goal of the NIH Dissertation Research Awards (R36) is to support the completion of doctoral research to ensure a strong future workforce.  These awards are offered by specific Institutes/Centers, and requirements vary.

Aging Research Dissertation Awards to Increase Diversity

PAR-19-025 National Institute on Aging (NIA)

The purpose of this program is to provide dissertation awards in all areas of research within NIA’s strategic priorities to increase diversity of the scientific research workforce engaged in research on aging and aging-related health conditions.
Special Note: Consultation with the listed NIA staff person (see Section VII, Scientific/Research Contact) prior to submission is strongly encouraged
Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Support: Standard NRSA-level stipend ($25,320) and up to $20,000 for additional expenses (excluding tuition), for up to 2 years
Submission Dates: February 16, June 16, October 16

Drug Abuse Dissertation Research

PA-20-208 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The goal of this program is to enhance the diversity of the drug abuse research workforce by providing dissertation awards on topics related to the study of basic and clinical neuroscience, development, epidemiology, prevention, treatment, services, or women and sex/gender differences as they relate to drug abuse.
Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Support: Up to $50,000 per year, for up to 2 years
Submission Dates: February 16, June 16, October 16

AHRQ Grants for Health Services Research Dissertation Program

PA-18-765 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
*Students with active T32 or F31 support may apply.
The purpose of this program is to ensure a diverse pool of highly-trained health services researchers is available to address the research mission and priorities of AHRQ. 
Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Support: Up to $40,000, for 9-17 months
Submission Dates: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1

Mental Health Research Dissertation Grant to Enhance Workforce Diversity

PA-18-894 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (NIMH)
The purpose of this program is to enhance the diversity of the mental health research workforce by providing dissertation awards in all research areas within the strategic priorities of the NIMH to individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences research. This award supports the completion of the doctoral research project.
Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Support: Standard NRSA-level stipend ($25,320) and up to $15,000 for additional expenses (excluding tuition), for up to 2 years
Submission Dates: Varies

The NSF does not support research with disease-related goals.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Official Solicitation: NSF-20-587
The purpose of the NSF GRFP is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who have demonstrated their potential for significant achievements in science and engineering research and are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in fields within NSF's mission. MD/PhD students are not eligible. Helpful Information & tips: www.nsfgrfp.org/

Special Criteria: The applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and must have completed fewer than 12 months of graduate training (inclusive of post-baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral training) as of August 1, 2019.

Support: 3 years; $34,000 stipend; $12,000 education allowance

Submission Dates:

• October 19, 2020: Life Sciences
• October 20, 2020: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Social Sciences, STEM Education and Learning
• October 21, 2020: Engineering 
• October 22, 2020: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
• October 30, 2020: Reference Letter Deadline

The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to increasing the number and quality of our nation's scientists and engineers.

Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP): Horizon Award

The goal of the PRCRP is to improve mission readiness and quality of life by decreasing the burden of cancer on Service members, their families, and the American public. To be considered for funding, applications for the  Horizon Award must address at least one of the Topic Areas as directed by Congress (Adrenal cancer, Melanoma and other skin cancers, Bladder cancer,Mesothelioma, Blood cancers, Myeloma, Brain cancer, Neuroblastoma, Colorectal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Immunotherapy, Pediatric brain tumors,  Listeria-based regimens for cancer,  Stomach cancer, Liver cancer, Cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults, Lymphoma)

In addition to addressing at least one of the required Topic Areas, applications for the Horizon Award must also address at least one of the Military Relevance Focus Areas. 1) Militarily relevant risk factors associated with cancer (e.g., ionizing radiation, chemicals, infectious agents, environmental carcinogens, and stress). 2)Gaps in cancer prevention, early detection/diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and/or survivorship that may impact mission readiness and the health and well-being of military members, Veterans, their beneficiaries, and the general public.
https://cdmrp.army.mil/funding/pa/FY19-PRCRP-HA.pdf

Eligibility: A predoctoral candidate within 2 years of completing required graduate coursework, having completed all laboratory rotations, successfully passed qualifying examinations (excluding time in residency or on family medical leave), and is working in his/her Mentor’s laboratory by the time of the application submission deadline. There is no citizenship requirement for this award.

Support: up to $150,000 over 2 years
Application Deadline: September 2020 expected (FY20 announcement yet to be released)

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program (NDSEG)

This is a highly competitive (6% of applications are funded), fellowship sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Office of Naval Research (ONR), under the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (OSF) for Research and Engineering. Applicants must be US citizens or nationals (permanent residents are not eligible) who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in one of 15 supported disciplines. And, applicants must have completed fewer than 2 years of graduate study in the discipline in which they are applying. More information: http://ndseg.sysplus.com/
Support: 3 years of stipend, tuition & fees, and partial medical insurance
Application Deadline: November 3, 2020

Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program

This program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at Department of Defense (DoD) Laboratories. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom at time of application (permanent residents are not eligible) pursuing a degree in one of the supported disciplines. Applicants must be able to complete summer internships at a DoD Lab, and they must agree to post-graduation DoD civilian employment equal to the length of the Scholarship. More information: http://www.smartscholarship.org/
Support: 1-5 years of stipend, tuition & fees, partial medical insurance
Application Deadline: December 1, 2020

NASA Fellowship Activity 2020

Official Solicitation: NNH20ZHA001N 
The purpose of the NASA Fellowship Activity supports the vitality and diversity of the STEM workforce of NASA and the United States by training and funding graduate students during their STEM academic endeavors and providing access to NASA, its content, unique facilities, and STEM experts. The NASA Fellowship Activity expands the reach of NASA budget by leveraging funding sources and collaborating with other Federal Agencies to support graduate student research and the educational development of selected individuals. The NASA Fellowship Activity provides financial support to graduate students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in STEM while partaking in graduate unique research projects under the guidance of an institutional Principal Investigator in collaboration with NASA Technical Advisers. 

Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Next Submission: Anticipated January 2021
Support: 1 year of stipend, tuition & fees, training-related, and health insurance allowances;

NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO)

Official Solicitation: NSTGRO20 
The purpose of the NSTGRO is to sponsor graduate student researchers pursuing or planning to pursue master’s or doctoral (PhD) degrees in relevant space technology disciplines at accredited U.S. universities. NASA Space Technology Graduate Researchers will perform innovative space technology research and will improve America’s technological competitiveness by providing the Nation with a pipeline of innovative space technologies. The ideal candidate has a commitment to space technology and is conducting research specifically aimed at space technology that aligns with one of 14 Space Technology Roadmaps (listed here).  Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents in good academic standing, and have completed fewer than 3 years of graduate training as of October 1, 2020. 

Citizenship: Applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Next Submission: Anticipated November 2020
Support: 1 year of stipend, tuition & fees, training-related, and health insurance allowances; renewable for 3 years.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program

*Visa holders may apply*

Program Solicitation: https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/fellowships/graduate-research-fellowship-program

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding innovative doctoral dissertation research that is relevant to preventing and controlling crime, and ensuring the fair and impartial administration of criminal justice in the United States. This program furthers the Department’s mission by increasing the pool of researchers who are engaged in providing science-based solutions to problems relevant to criminal and juvenile justice policy and practice in the United States.

Next Submission: Anticipated April 2021

Support: $35,000 stipend and related costs (e.g., fringe benefits or health insurance), up to $12,000 for Cost of Education expenses; and up to $3,000 in Research Expenses; for up to 3 years support.

Graduate Fellowship Award

The Graduate Fellowship Award supports outstanding students pursuing a PhD in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences, including applied mathematics, statistics, and quantitative aspects of modern biology. MD/PhD students may apply for support during PhD training years. Successful applicants will need to make a moral commitment to make his/her "skills available to the United States in times of national emergency." Because this award provides five years of support, students should apply within the first year of graduate study. More information: https://www.hertzfoundation.org/the-fellowship/apply-for-fellowship/

Support: $34,000 annual stipend; tuition; renewable up to 5 years
Citizenship: Applicant must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Application Deadline: October 

These fellowship programs, offered through the National Academy of Sciences, seek (1) to increase faculty diversity at US colleges and universities by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, (2) to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and (3) to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. Fellowships are made at the predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels to students who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to pluralism, and a strong interest in teaching and research. While it is not a requirement for the applicant to be a member of an underrepresented minority group, such membership is encouraged. Only US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents in research-based fields are eligible. Dual-degree (e.g., MD/PhD) students are not eligible for support. More information:  http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/FordFellowships/

Ford Predoctoral Fellowship 
Eligibility: at least 3 years of PhD training at the time of application
Support: 3 years of stipend ($24,000), as well as expenses paid to attend at least one Conference of Ford Fellows
Application Opens: September
Application Deadline: December 
Support Begins: following Fall semester 

Ford Dissertation Fellowship 
Eligibility: Expected degree completion in the current academic year 
Support: 1 year of stipend ($25,000), as well as expenses paid to attend at least one Conference of Ford Fellows
Application Opens: September
Application Deadline: December
Support Begins:  June 1 or September 1

Sponsored by the US Department of State, this program provides US graduate students the opportunity to conduct a portion of their studies/research internationally.  Grants are awarded to support one academic year of study/research abroad.  To be eligible applicants must be US citizens with a baccalaureate degree, in good health, and proficient in the written/spoken language of the intended host country.  Website: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/

Deadline: October 13, 2020

Last Updated: August 2020