The NICHD encourages academic institutions to diversify their student and faculty populations, which in turn, increases the participation of individuals currently underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences.

Through this mechanism, managed through the Division of Special Populations, Principal Investigators (PIs) who hold certain research grants (listed below) can apply for additional funds to support and recruit students, postdoctoratal students and fellows, and eligible investigators from the following groups:

• Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups;
• Individuals with disabilities; and
• Individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, which inhibited their ability to pursue a career in health-related research.

PIs at domestic institutions who hold an active R01, R10, R18, R22, R24, R35, R37, R43, R44, R41, R42, P01, P20, P30, P40, P41, P50, P51, P60, U01, U10, U19, U41, U42, U54, or S06 grant may be eligible to submit a request for an administrative supplement to the awarding component of the parent grant.

In addition, those who hold active Small Grant Awards (R03), Academic Research Enhancement Awards (R15), or Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21) must check with the appropriate awarding component before submitting an application for a supplement because eligibility policies vary. 

The supplements are also available to those who hold active P20, P30, and P60 grants, but only if the projects contain research components.

Those who hold S06 awards are also eligible for supplements, but only to support postdoctoral fellows and faculty.