Maximizing the Scientific Value of Data Generated by the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32)

The Maximizing the Scientific Value of Data Generated by the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Dissertation Grant is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through the Office of the Director. This program is designed to support doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research in high-priority areas related to child health. The initiative is part of the broader ECHO program, which aims to improve child health outcomes by examining how early environmental exposures affect development. ECHO integrates large-scale, longitudinal datasets from tens of thousands of participants across the United States, offering a unique resource for advanced research. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage doctoral students to utilize the ECHO dataset housed within the NICHD Data and Specimen Hub (DASH). The dataset includes de-identified information from over 71,000 participants, encompassing a wide range of variables such as environmental exposures, socio-demographics, health histories, and developmental outcomes. The program prioritizes five pediatric outcome areas: prenatal and postnatal outcomes, airway health, obesity, neurodevelopment, and overall well-being. Applicants must propose research that directly uses ECHO data; proposals that do not incorporate this dataset will not be considered for review. Funding under this program supports dissertation research activities for a period of 12 to 24 months. Awardees receive a stipend aligned with the National Research Service Award predoctoral level, along with up to 15000 dollars annually for allowable expenses such as health insurance, travel to scientific meetings, and research costs. However, several restrictions apply: funds may not be used for tuition (except dissertation credits), equipment, renovations, consultant fees, or research assistant support. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate of 8 percent of modified total direct costs. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Eligibility is limited to predoctoral students enrolled in accredited research doctoral programs in the United States. Applicants must be at the dissertation stage, have an approved dissertation proposal by the time of award, and demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to a research career. Eligible degree programs include PhD and equivalent research degrees, as well as combined professional and research doctoral programs. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents by the time of award. Institutions eligible to apply include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and various government entities, though the primary applicant is the individual doctoral student working through an eligible institution. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or NIH systems such as ASSIST, with tracking through eRA Commons. Applicants must comply with all NIH application instructions, including preparation of a research plan, budget, and required attachments such as letters of support and a plan for responsible conduct of research. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit, including significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and the qualifications of the applicant and research environment. Peer review is conducted by NIH scientific review groups, followed by advisory council review before funding decisions are made. Key dates for this funding opportunity include an opening date of September 15, 2026, and a submission deadline of October 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Review is expected in February 2027, with advisory council review in May 2027 and earliest project start dates in June 2027. This is a one-time funding opportunity for the specified cycle, with future offerings dependent on NIH priorities and appropriations. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation early and consult NIH staff for guidance on project scope and alignment.

Ensure strong alignment with ECHO dataset use demonstrate rigorous research design and clearly articulate mentorship plan and career development trajectory