This program provides a unique opportunity to qualified foreign neuroscientists, at the junior or mid-career level, to receive up to three years of research training in the United States (U.S.). Eligible individual applicants include non-immigrant foreign scientists with a doctoral degree (or its equivalent) and a sponsor in the U.S. who is affiliated with an eligible U.S. organization. This individual must also have an endorsement from their home institution, and an appointment in an institution in their home country upon completion of the fellowship. The proposed research training must be within the scope of biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research as it relates to neuroscience, and should enhance the trainee’s knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in his or her home country.
Individual National Research Service Awards (F32) are made to applicants seeking postdoctoral research training in the basic
or clinical neurological sciences. Before beginning the proposed fellowship, an applicant must earn a doctoral degree. In
addition to biomedical research training, the proposed study must include an opportunity to conduct research. The training
plan should provide an opportunity for research scientists and clinicians to broaden their scientific background or to extend
their potential for research in health-related areas. Training areas are generally the same as those identified earlier for
institutional training grants. Before formally submitting their applications, prospective fellows must arrange for an appointment
to an appropriate institution and acceptance by a sponsor who will supervise the training and research experience. The application
must document that staff and facilities are available to provide a high-quality training opportunity. The application should
emphasize opportunities for research training and broadening scientific competence.
Individual National Research Service Awards (F33) are also available for senior fellows who wish to: (1) make major changes in the direction of their research careers; (2) broaden their scientific background; or (3) acquire new research capabilities. These awards enable individuals beyond the new-investigator stage to take time from regular professional responsibilities to increase their capabilities in health-related research. Senior fellow applications receive the same scientific review as other NRSA applications. The payback requirements for recipients of individual NRSAs are the same as those described in the preceding section for institutional NRSAs.
Last updated September 26, 2012