Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (BIRCWH) (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)
Supporting junior faculty to advance interdisciplinary research careers in women's health through mentored programs (BIRCWH), including clinical trial options.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: May 28, 2026 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $840,000 direct costs per year for up to 5 years per award; typically 8–10 awards funded annually.
Summary: Supports institutional programs to develop junior faculty as interdisciplinary researchers in women's health, including mentored research and clinical trial options.
Key Information: Limited submission: only eligible U.S. institutions may apply; foreign organizations are not eligible.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and participating NIH Institutes and Centers, funds institutional career development programs to support junior faculty—referred to as BIRCWH Scholars—who have recently completed clinical training or postdoctoral fellowships. The program is designed to foster interdisciplinary research careers in women's health, spanning basic, translational, behavioral, clinical, and health services research. Scholars may propose to lead independent clinical trials, conduct ancillary clinical trials, or gain experience in clinical trials led by others.
The BIRCWH initiative emphasizes:
- Interdisciplinary research integrating multiple scientific disciplines.
- Structured, mentored career development with interdisciplinary mentoring teams.
- Research relevant to women's health and, where appropriate, the use of both sexes to understand sex as a biological variable.
Programs must be distinct from other federally funded career development programs at the applicant institution and are expected to provide a robust environment for transitioning junior faculty to research independence.
