What Are Training and Career Development Grants?

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NIAID funds training and career awards to develop and support the next generation of biomedical researchers -- people just entering graduate school, finishing their doctorates, or coming in from other fields.

These awards enable promising scientists to gain education and experience. We award some grants to people, while others go to specific projects or educational institutions.

NIAID supports four types of training and career grants. Except for the K99/R00, all require either U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status (Alien Registration Receipt Card, Form I-551). People on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

• National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellowships provide support for independent research projects.
• Career development awards assist people with doctoral degrees who want to pursue careers in biomedical research.
• Research supplements are monies added to a grant for training people from underrepresented groups and scientists who've had a career hiatus for family reasons.
• NRSA institutional research training grants are awarded to institutions of higher education to defray the costs of training graduate students or postdocs.

Which Grant is Right for You?

NIAID funds grants for different career stages and types of research. We support awards for basic, clinical, and patient-oriented investigation, as well as awards for special populations at various career stages. To meet urgent national security needs, we offer training and career development opportunities in biodefense and emerging infectious diseases.

For help in sorting out award options, see Support by Career Stage -- Ph.D. Track and Support by Career Stage -- M.D. Track. Also read our advice for predoctoral students, early-stage postdocs, and midcareer researchers.

Additional Resources

• NIAID Training Awards
• How Laws and Regulations Affect NIH's Programs
• When it comes to applying for NIH grants and scholarships, who qualifies as an underrepresented person?

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