Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T35) | PA 23 080

FAQs: Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T35)

What is the NRSA Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T35)?

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T35) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity that supports U.S.-based institutions in creating, strengthening, or expanding short, intensive research training programs for predoctoral students who are considering careers in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to fund organized, mentored research experiences that are substantial enough to provide real grounding in how biomedical research is conducted. The intent is to go beyond a light or purely observational experience and instead provide meaningful exposure to the research process and scientific culture.

Who is this training program meant for?

The program is aimed at predoctoral students who are considering careers in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research. It is commonly used for short-term research training experiences such as summer research programs for health professional students (for example, medical or veterinary students) and students in other health professional degree programs.

Is this typically a summer research program?

It often is. A common use of the T35 mechanism across many NIH Institutes and Centers is to support summer research training programs that fit within an academic break, providing a focused research immersion under the supervision of experienced faculty mentors.

What kinds of institutions can apply for the Parent T35?

Eligibility is centered on domestic (U.S.) applicant organizations. A wide range of organization types can apply, including public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and various government entities (state, county, city/township, and special district governments), as well as independent school districts and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.

Are foreign organizations eligible to apply?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible.

Are U.S. territories or possessions included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The eligibility description highlights U.S. territories or possessions among the eligible organization categories.

Does this opportunity encourage participation from specific institution types?

Yes. The listing highlights inclusion of several organization types and communities, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and others.

What should the training experience include?

The training experience is expected to be meaningful in depth and rigor. Institutions are expected to provide an environment and structure that exposes participants to core principles of research, such as study design, responsible conduct of research, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the broader culture of scientific inquiry.

How is mentorship expected to be incorporated?

The opportunity emphasizes organized, mentored research experiences. In practice, this means trainees participate in research under the supervision of experienced faculty mentors, with the training structured to support hands-on learning and understanding of research practices.

Does the program involve biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research?

Yes. The opportunity is designed to support research training connected to biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research, with the broader purpose of helping trainees see themselves as potential future contributors to biomedical science.

Does the FOA aim to attract students from quantitative or physical science backgrounds?

Yes. The program explicitly aims to attract students from physical or quantitative science backgrounds by offering short-term entry points into health-related research, encouraging longer-term research careers that connect quantitative expertise to biomedical problems.

Are trainees expected to gain experience with the research process (not just observe)?

Yes. The intent is for trainees to gain a real grounding in how research is conducted, including exposure to research design, responsible conduct, data work, interpretation, and scientific inquiry, rather than a minimal or observational experience.

Can trainees lead an independent clinical trial under this T35?

No. Trainees appointed to this T35 program are not permitted to lead an independent clinical trial.

Can trainees participate in clinical trial-related research activities?

Yes. Trainees can gain research experience that involves clinical trials as long as the clinical trial is led by a mentor or co-mentor. This allows trainees to learn how trials work and participate in clinical research activities without being the responsible party directing the trial as an independent investigator.

Who is the sponsoring agency for this opportunity?

The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) number?

The FOA number provided is PA 23 080.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument type is listed as a grant.

Is this considered discretionary funding?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

Are award amounts (award ceiling) and number of awards specified?

No. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided information. This can mean these details vary by participating NIH Institute or Center, fiscal year, and application volume.

Are multiple NIH components involved?

The listing notes that the opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (assistance listings), which typically reflects that various NIH Institutes and Centers may participate.

What is the closing date shown for this opportunity?

The original closing date shown is May 7, 2026.

What is the overall career impact this training is trying to support?

The training is intended to help trainees understand the research process and see themselves as potential future contributors to biomedical science, whether through subsequent research training, graduate study, or research-integrated clinical careers.