NICHD offers support for a variety of training and career development opportunities at other institutions. Find information on fellowships, career development awards, institutional awards, and education awards below. The Institute conducted an in-depth review of its training programs and mechanisms in 2016; read the full review (PDF - 1.8 MB).
Funding Mechanisms for Training & Career Development
NICHD uses several mechanisms to fund training and career development activities at universities and other institutions.
- Individual Research Fellowships (F): NICHD supports fellowships under the National Research Service Award program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Individual Predoctoral Fellowships to Provide Diversity (F31)
- Individual Postdoctoral Fellowships (F32)
- Career Development (K) Awards: NICHD sponsors awards for senior-level postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty.
- Mentored Career Development Awards (K01, K08, K23, K25, K99)
- Career Development Awards for Independent Investigators (K02, K24)
- Institutional Training Grants (T32/K12): These awards are made to institutions to support groups of pre- and/or postdoctoral fellows, including trainees in basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences.
- Institutional Training Grants (T32)
- Institutional Career Development Programs (K12)
- Education Grants (R25): NICHD sponsors education grants for summer research experiences and short courses.
- Summer Education Grants (R25)
- NICHD Short Courses (R25)
Not sure if your research falls into the NICHD portfolio?
NICHD offers fellowships, career development awards, institutional training grants, and research project grants in areas relevant to normal and abnormal human development, including contraception, fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, and prenatal and postnatal development; childhood development through adolescence; intellectual and developmental disabilities; and rehabilitation medicine. Learn the types of research supported by NICHD and find the staff scientists who lead these programs.
For health professionals who commit at least 2 years to conducting qualified research, NIH may repay up to $35,000 per year of qualified student loan debt, including most undergraduate, graduate, and medical school loans.
NICHD offers LRPs for funded investigators in three areas: clinical research, pediatric research, and contraception and infertility research.
Find answers to common questions about mechanisms you can use to get funding support for training and career development at your institution. FAQ categories include policies, application procedures, and management of funded awards
Questions About Extramural Training?
The NICHD Office of Extramural Policy (OEP) provides overall leadership and guidance on training programs for students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-stage faculty. The OEP advises on NICHD policies and procedures affecting NICHD extramural activities and on funding strategies, programs and initiatives, personnel, and other matters pertaining to NICHD support.
For questions about extramural fellowships, career development awards, or institutional training programs, contact Dennis A. Twombly, Ph.D., Deputy Director of OEP.