NIH Medical Scientist Partnership Program (FM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Medical Scientist Partnership Program (MSPP) is designed to develop a diverse pool of highly trained clinician-scientists by supporting combined-degree students (e.g., MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD) who conduct their PhD dissertation research in NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) laboratories. The program provides rigorous training in basic, translational, and clinical biomedical sciences, preparing scholars for leadership roles in the biomedical research workforce.

MSPP Scholars receive mentored research experiences, extensive career and professional development, and networking opportunities. The program aims to equip participants with the skills to integrate research and clinical activities, identify impactful biomedical research questions, and transition into careers that utilize their dual degrees.

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Due Dates

• Application Deadline: August 8, 2025 (by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization)
• Scientific Merit Review: November 2025
• Earliest Start Date: July 2026
• Expiration Date: August 9, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for corrections during the submission process.

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Funding Amount

• Duration: Up to 4 years of extramural support for clinical degree education (Track 1: 4 years; Track 2: 3 years)
• Budget: Includes stipend, tuition and fees, and institutional allowance (all at levels equivalent to the F30 Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA awards)
  • Current stipend and allowance levels
• Indirect Costs: Not separately reimbursed; covered by the institutional allowance

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Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

• Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Eligible agencies of the federal government
• Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, TCCUs, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs

Note: Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible. Foreign components, as defined by NIH policy, are allowed.

Eligible Individuals

• Must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident by the time of award
• Must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent and evidence of high academic performance in the sciences
• Must be matriculated in a combined clinical doctoral degree program (e.g., MD/PhD, DDS/PhD, DVM/PhD, or similar) or a clinical doctoral program with the option to pursue a PhD
• Must be accepted into a laboratory within the NIH IRP to conduct PhD research (via the NIH Graduate Partnership Program)
• Clinical degree programs include, but are not limited to: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, DNP, DC, PharmD

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
• Tracks:
  • Track 1: For undergraduates or recent graduates applying to clinical degree schools and the NIH GPP. Contact NIAID staff at least 90 days before the deadline (NIHMSPPQuestions@niaid.nih.gov) for instructions.
  • Track 2: For students already accepted or enrolled in a clinical degree school and applying to the NIH GPP. Contact your clinical degree school's grants administration office at least 90 days before the deadline.
• Required Documents:
  • Applicant’s background and goals for fellowship training (3 pages)
  • Research experience and accomplishments (3 pages)
  • Personal statement (2 pages)
  • Reference letters (submitted directly via eRA Commons)
  • Academic transcripts
• No detailed budget required at submission; budget details will be requested if selected for funding.
• Applicants must also apply to the NIH Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) in parallel.

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Additional Information

• Clinical trials are not allowed.
• Full-time commitment (typically 40 hours/week) is required during the research training period.
• Applicants do not need to identify a research project, clinical degree school, or dissertation mentor at the time of application; this information will be required prior to award.
• Awards are contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.
• Recipients are encouraged to consider applying for NIH Loan Repayment Programs.

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External Links

• NIH MSPP Full Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-23-109)
• NIH Graduate Partnership Program (GPP)
• NIH Research Training and Career Development Policy Notices
• NIH Grants Policy Statement
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

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