Intramural NIAID Research Opportunities (INRO)

Check Eligibility

The INRO program is intended for students from populations underrepresented in biomedical research interested in careers in allergy, immunology, and infectious diseases. Outstanding students dedicated to pursuing a career in biomedical research are chosen through a highly competitive evaluation process. Only those applicants interested in a research traineeship at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will be considered.

Who is eligible?

• Students interested in a research training program (summer internship, postbaccalaureate, postdoctoral, or medical student year-off traineeships) in allergy, immunology, or infectious diseases at one of the NIAID sites: Bethesda, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; or the Rocky Mountain Laboratories at Hamilton, Montana
• Full-time students attending an accredited U.S. college or university who meet one of the following requirements:
• Undergraduate juniors interested in a summer internship training experience at NIAID
• Graduating seniors interested in a summer internship or postbaccalaureate training experience at NIAID
• Doctoral candidates currently working on their dissertation and pursuing a postdoctoral training experience at NIAID
• Currently enrolled medical students interested in a summer internship or year-off program at NIAID (Students should verify with their institution that they are eligible to take a year off.)
• Students must be in good academic standing. Preference is given to students with a grade point average of 3.5 or above in science coursework.
• U.S. citizen or legal resident (green card) residing in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam, or a I-551 stamp in their passport. Proof of citizenship or residency may be requested.
• Member of an underrepresented population OR financially disadvantaged (see below).

Who are the underrepresented populations?

The following populations are considered to be underrepresented in biomedical research:

• American Indian or Alaska Native—A person having origins in any of the original people of North and South America (including Central America) who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment
• Black or African American—A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa
• Hispanic/Latino American—A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander—A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands

What is considered a financially disadvantaged background?

An individual from a disadvantaged background is one who comes from a family with an annual income below a level published by the U.S. Bureau of the Census and adjusted by the Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services, for use in all health professions' programs.

What is required as proof of income?

Applicants claiming a financially disadvantaged background must provide copies of their most recent federal tax returns for themselves, or their parents (if a dependent), and/or their spouse (if applicable) and must be of "exceptional financial need (EFN)," as defined by the Secretary of Department of Health and Human Services (Federal Register, Vol 71, No. 125, June 29, 2006, p. 37085). Income levels are updated annually.

The Impact of Vaccines in the United States

Size of Parent's Family (Includes only dependents listed on Federal income tax forms)	Income Level (Gross income, rounded to the nearest $100)
1	$19,600
2	$26,400
3	$33,200
4	$40,000
5	$46,800
6	$53,600
7	$60,400
8	$67,200

What if I don't qualify for this program?

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for research traineeships at NIH and NIAID. For information on NIH's training programs, visit http://www.training.nih.gov; for information on NIAID-specific programs, visit http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/labs/training/basicclinicaltraining/default.htm. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

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