Limited Competition: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Predoctoral Research Training Grant for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program (T32 Clinical Trial
Can you apply?
This grant is for predoctoral (PhD or equivalent doctoral) students pursuing research training within an institution's Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program. Applicant institutions must have an active CTSA award from NIH/NCATS. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in a doctoral research program (excluding clinical trials as the primary research focus). The training is primarily intended for researchers at the pre-doctoral level who aim to develop competencies in clinical and translational science. Eligible institutions are academic medical centers and research institutions with established CTSA programs. The grant supports stipends, tuition, and institutional allowances to enable full-time training in a mentored research environment focused on bridging basic laboratory research with clinical applications.
This grant is for predoctoral (PhD or equivalent doctoral) students pursuing research training within an institution's Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program. Applicant institutions must have an active CTSA award from NIH/NCATS. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in a doctoral research program (excluding clinical trials as the primary research focus). The training is primarily intended for researchers at the pre-doctoral level who aim to develop competencies in clinical and translational science. Eligible institutions are academic medical centers and research institutions with established CTSA programs. The grant supports stipends, tuition, and institutional allowances to enable full-time training in a mentored research environment focused on bridging basic laboratory research with clinical applications.
Program description
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) will award Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Predoctoral Institutional Research Training Grants for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program (T32) to eligibleinstitutions to create, provide, and disseminate clinical and translational science training and career support programs for individuals seeking a PhD or an equivalent research health professional degree and help ensure a heterogenous pool of clinical and translational scientist trainees who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions, and behavioral modifications aimed at improving health and support meaningful translational science research projects that address demonstrable needs among stakeholder communities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Community College
- Graduate Student
- HBCU
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Private University
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- TCU (Tribal Colleges)
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for predoctoral (PhD or equivalent doctoral) students pursuing research training within an institution's Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program. Applicant institutions must have an active CTSA award from NIH/NCATS. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents enrolled full-time in a doctoral research program (excluding clinical trials as the primary research focus). The training is primarily intended for researchers at the pre-doctoral level who aim to develop competencies in clinical and translational science. Eligible institutions are academic medical centers and research institutions with established CTSA programs. The grant supports stipends, tuition, and institutional allowances to enable full-time training in a mentored research environment focused on bridging basic laboratory research with clinical applications.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form and budget narrative
- Research Training Plan (including mentoring plan and career development objectives)
- Curriculum Vitae (of trainee and primary mentor)
- Letters of Recommendation (typically 3)
- Institutional commitment letter confirming CTSA award status and support
- Personal Statement (research interests and career goals in clinical translational science)
- Evidence of institutional CTSA resources and training infrastructure
- NIH Biographical Sketch for mentor(s)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.350 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$139,753,636
-
$118,592,298
-
$112,138,469
-
$108,393,831
-
$102,422,256
-
$100,095,982
-
$99,978,264
-
$98,955,036
-
$98,090,822
-
$97,784,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $642.2M
- NY 11 awards $496.8M
- MA 6 awards $321.4M
- NC 5 awards $304.8M
- OH 5 awards $162.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.350). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $595,597,945 | |
| 2025 | $626,227,752 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this NRSA predoctoral training grant?
Current predoctoral students (PhD or equivalent) enrolled full-time at an institution with an active CTSA award. You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident with a qualifying doctoral degree program enrollment.
What research focus areas are supported?
Clinical and translational science research is supported, excluding applications where clinical trials are the primary research methodology. The emphasis is on training that bridges basic research with clinical applications.
What are the deadline expectations for this award?
The application deadline is typically September each year. This is a fixed deadline, so all applications must be submitted by the specified date with no rolling applications.
How competitive is this program and what should applicants emphasize?
This is highly competitive. Strong applications emphasize the mentee's research potential, the mentor's track record in clinical translation, the institution's CTSA infrastructure support, and a clear training plan aligned with clinical translational science competencies.
What is the typical funding range for this award?
NRSA predoctoral grants typically provide annual stipend support (varying by year and institution location) plus tuition costs and institutional allowance, generally ranging from $35,000–$50,000+ in total annual support depending on the trainee's year in program and institution costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your institution has an active CTSA award before applying; this is a mandatory eligibility requirement and you should verify this early with your institution's research office.
- Develop a compelling research narrative that clearly demonstrates how your proposed research advances clinical and translational science; review CTSA program competencies and align your training plan accordingly.
- Cultivate a strong mentor-mentee relationship and secure a committed mentor with demonstrated success in clinical translation research and prior mentoring of predoctoral fellows.
- Document your institution's CTSA infrastructure, resources, and support available to you including seminars, workshops, collaborative centers, and career development opportunities specific to clinical and translational science.
- Prepare a detailed curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and previous research accomplishments early; allow adequate time for institutional routing and verification of CTSA eligibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants frequently underestimate the importance of demonstrating alignment with the CTSA program's clinical and translational science competencies—generic research training plans are typically rejected. Another common error is failing to secure a mentor with sufficient publication and funding track record in clinical translation research, or submitting an application where the primary research methodology centers on clinical trials (which explicitly disqualifies the proposal). Finally, many applicants neglect to adequately document and leverage their institution's CTSA infrastructure and support systems in the application narrative.
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