[March of Dimes](https://www.marchofdimes.org)

May 15, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | July 1, 2026 (Full Application, 5:00 p.m. ET)

$250,000 over two years in salary support; additional funds for research supplies; typically supports ~12 scholars annually.

Supports early-career OB-GYN researchers pursuing translational research in maternal fetal health, prematurity, morbidity/mortality, and health equity.

--- ## Description The Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) is a career development initiative for early-career physician-scientists in obstetrics and gynecology, with a particular focus on translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries and clinical practice. The program emphasizes research in maternal fetal health, prematurity, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and health equity. RSDP is administered by a host institution (currently Duke University) and funded by a coalition including March of Dimes, NIH/NICHD, and several professional societies and foundations. Scholars benefit from intensive research mentorship, protected research time, and a strong network of leaders in reproductive medicine. --- ## Due Dates - May 15, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (RSDP program year 2027) - July 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (received by 5:00 p.m. ET) - Notification of acceptance: No later than November 15, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $250,000 over two years for salary support. - Additional funding is available for research supplies. - Approximately a dozen scholars are supported annually. - Phase I: Two years of full-time (100%) research participation. - Phase II: Two years of support at 75% research effort (with guaranteed protected time and resources). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD or DO degree. - Must be near completion of OB-GYN residency or subspecialty fellowship (accredited in the US or Canada). - Must be a U.S. citizen, noncitizen national, or permanent resident with appropriate documentation. - Commitment to a career in academic OB-GYN research is required. - Prior laboratory experience is not required, but a research proposal is necessary. - Individuals from underrepresented groups and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. --- ## Application Process 1. **Contact the RSDP Office:** Prospective applicants (and their Department Chair) are encouraged to contact the RSDP office to confirm eligibility before submission. 2. **Letter of Intent:** Submit a letter specifying department sponsor, proposed mentor, and a brief research project description by May 15, 2026. 3. **Full Application:** Submit a complete application by July 1, 2026, including: - Completed application form ([available here](https://www.rsdprogram.org/about)) - Applicant photo - Personal statement (goals, mentor justification, research advisory committee, assurance of protected time, long-term plans) - Detailed research proposal (NIH-style, up to 8 pages) - Curriculum vitae and publication list - Letters/statements from department chair, mentor, and advisory committee - Three letters of reference (not including chair or mentor) - Required institutional documents (e.g., memorandum of understanding) - Compliance with NIH guidelines for human subjects and vertebrate animal research, if applicable 4. **Submission:** Email a single PDF to Amanda Heflin ([amanda.heflin@duke.edu](mailto:amanda.heflin@duke.edu)); mail original hard copy with signatures. 5. **Review and Interviews:** Selected candidates will be interviewed in August/September; travel is the responsibility of the sponsoring department. 6. **Notification:** Award decisions will be communicated by November 15, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Research proposals must be translational and relevant to maternal fetal health, prematurity, or health equity. - Scholars must have protected research time (100% in Phase I, at least 75% in Phase II), with institutional guarantees. - Awardees are expected to participate in program meetings, collaborate with other centers, and report research outputs to March of Dimes. - The program is highly supportive of career development, mentorship, and future leadership in reproductive research. - Refer to NIH guidelines for human subjects ([see details](https://humansubjects.nih.gov/walkthrough-investigator#pre-submission)) and vertebrate animal research ([see details](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/vertebrate_animal_section.htm)) if applicable. --- ## External Links - [March of Dimes RSDP Program Page](https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/research/grants-awards/reproductive-scientist-development-program) - [RSDP Program Website (Duke University)](https://www.rsdprogram.org/) - [Phase I Application Form](https://www.rsdprogram.org/_files/ugd/3b3097_083295f063ab40029d87d2a3b12e2ac5.pdf) - [NIH Human Subjects Research Guidance](https://humansubjects.nih.gov/walkthrough-investigator#pre-submission) - [NIH Vertebrate Animals Section Guidance](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/vertebrate_animal_section.htm) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Address | |---------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Amanda Heflin, MBA | Program Administrator | [amanda.heflin@duke.edu](mailto:amanda.heflin@duke.edu) | Dept. of OB-GYN, DUMC 3084, 200 Trent Drive, Baker House 203, Durham, NC 27710 | | General Inquiries | March of Dimes Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.marchofdimes.org/contact-us/) | - | | Program Website | RSDP | [https://www.rsdprogram.org/](https://www.rsdprogram.org/) | - |

Reproductive Scientist Development Program

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