Frequently Asked Questions
Who sponsors this program?
INRO is sponsored by the Office of Training and Diversity (OTD), the training office of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
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When can I begin to apply and what are the important dates for INRO?
Applications for INRO are open August 15. Other important dates are:
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
| Applications Open |
August 15 |
| Deadline for submitting applications |
October 16
Midnight, Eastern Time |
| Deadline for submitting completed references |
October 31
Midnight, Eastern Time |
| Notification letters sent to applicants |
November 20 |
| Deadline for submitting commitment letters |
November 30 |
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What do I do if I have a problem submitting my application?
Make sure you have completed all the required fields on the application and then resubmit the application. If you are still having problems, please contact the INRO program coordinator at INRO@niaid.nih.gov.
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How can I verify that my application has been received?
The online application process will automatically send you an e-mail indicating receipt of your application. Therefore, you must ensure that the contact information included on your application is complete and accurate. If you do not receive receipt notification via e-mail, please contact the INRO program coordinator promptly at INRO@niaid.nih.gov.
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How many students are chosen for the INRO program, and how are they selected?
Up to 20 outstanding students will be selected for the program. A team of NIAID scientists will evaluate the applications and make final selections based on the selection criteria.
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Can I still attend even if I have to miss a day of the program?
Students selected to attend INRO are expected to reschedule other outstanding commitments in order to attend the full program. INRO is a highly competitive program. Because the number of positions is limited, OTD will select only those students who are available for the entire program.
The program begins Sunday morning and ends Thursday afternoon. Travel days for most students will be Saturday morning, and Thursday afternoon, following the completion of the program.
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What costs does OTD cover?
OTD will provide all meals, hotel, and local and long-distance transportation costs for all INRO students.
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When will I be notified if I am selected?
All candidates will be notified by e-mail in early December. Students without e-mail addresses will receive letters at their home addresses.
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Do I need to submit an official transcript from my school even though I entered my grades into the electronic application system?
Yes. You will be required to submit an official transcript from the school you are currently attending if you are accepted to participate in INRO. The grades entered into the electronic application are for evaluation purposes only.
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What other required papers will I need to supply?
Students selected also must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. In addition, graduate and medical students must submit a letter from their school verifying that they are in good standing or have been accepted for admission.
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Will acceptance to the INRO program guarantee me a training position at NIAID (e.g., the summer internship program, a postbaccalaureate or postdoctoral training position, or a year-off medical school training position)?
Participation in INRO does not guarantee a training position at NIAID. However, every effort will be made to identify laboratories within NIAID that would be a good match for INRO participants. INRO participants will have an opportunity to interview with prospective principal investigators regarding possible training opportunities at Bethesda, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; or the Rocky Mountain Laboratories at Hamilton, Montana.
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What is NIH?
NIH, or the National Institutes of Health, is the world’s largest biomedical research institution. NIH seeks to improve health by conducting research in its own laboratories and by funding the research of other scientists throughout the United States and around the world. NIH, headquartered in a suburb of Washington, DC, is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an agency of the Federal Government.
NIAID is the second largest component of NIH. NIAID conducts and supports research that strives to understand, treat, and ultimately prevent the myriad infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases that threaten hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
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What if I don't meet the eligibility requirements?
We encourage students from populations underrepresented in biomedical research with strong academic backgrounds who are interested in learning more about opportunities in research to apply. If you have further questions please contact INRO@niaid.nih.gov. For information on all of NIH's training programs, visit www.training.nih.gov.
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This program offered by the: Office of Training and Diversity, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health