Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant (NRSA)

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Research Training Grant (NRSA) is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the National Institutes of Health. The NRSA program is a longstanding federal initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s research workforce by supporting advanced training in biomedical, behavioral, and health services research. This specific institutional training grant focuses on postdoctoral-level training programs in primary care research, reflecting the federal government’s priority to expand research capacity addressing healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support eligible institutions of higher education in developing or enhancing structured postdoctoral research training programs. These programs are intended to prepare healthcare professionals for careers in primary care research by providing mentored research experiences, didactic training, and professional development opportunities. The program emphasizes building expertise in areas that address the evolving needs of the U.S. population, including aging demographics, workforce shortages, and disparities in healthcare delivery systems. Funding under this opportunity is provided as discretionary grants, with an estimated total program funding of $9,566,800 and approximately 20 awards expected. Individual awards range from a floor of $134,653 to a ceiling of $500,000. Funds are intended to support institutional training infrastructure, trainee stipends, faculty mentorship, and program administration. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, allowing institutions to fully utilize federal funds within allowable cost guidelines established by HRSA and NIH policies. Eligibility is limited to domestic public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education that have previously received funding between 2011 and 2025 under specific sections of the Public Health Service Act, namely sections 736, 739, or 747. This restriction ensures that applicants have demonstrated prior capacity in training healthcare professionals and administering federally funded programs. Both public/state-controlled and private nonprofit higher education institutions are eligible, provided they meet the historical funding criteria outlined in the notice. The application process requires electronic submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Applications must be submitted by July 10, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. While no pre-application such as a letter of intent is specified, applicants are expected to prepare comprehensive submissions that typically include program narratives, training plans, institutional capacity descriptions, and budget justifications in accordance with federal grant application standards. Evaluation of applications is expected to focus on the quality and feasibility of the proposed training program, the institution’s track record in research and training, the strength of faculty mentorship, and the alignment of the program with national primary care research priorities. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process, with awards supporting a defined performance period consistent with HRSA training grant cycles. Although recurrence is not explicitly stated, the NRSA program is a longstanding federal initiative with periodic funding opportunities, suggesting potential future cycles depending on appropriations and program priorities. For additional information or assistance accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact HRSA via the provided program email address. The opportunity reflects a strategic investment in strengthening the pipeline of primary care researchers, addressing critical workforce needs, and advancing scientific knowledge to improve health outcomes nationwide.