If you’re looking to support a PhD student through the NIH F31 fellowship, understanding the structure and goals of the application is essential. The F31 is a Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award, providing up to five years of funding to help students complete their doctoral research and training.

Why Apply for an F31?
The F31 grant aims to foster a comprehensive research and career development experience. This fellowship emphasizes both the student’s research project and their professional growth, requiring a well-thought-out training plan alongside the scientific proposal. As a mentor, you’ll need to clearly demonstrate your ability to provide a robust training environment and effective guidance.

What to Include in the Application:

1. Specific Aims: A one-page outline that concisely presents the research question and objectives.
2. Research Strategy: A more extensive narrative detailing the significance of the research, its innovation, and a thorough approach. Remember to justify why the research is crucial and how it advances the field.
3. Training Plan: This section describes how your student will acquire new skills, attend workshops, and engage in opportunities that bolster their research and career prospects. Think broadly about mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
4. Candidate’s Background and Career Goals: The student must articulate their past experiences and how this fellowship will propel their career. It’s important to showcase their potential as a future independent researcher.
5. Sponsor Information: As the faculty mentor, your expertise and previous training successes are under scrutiny. You must outline your role in the student’s training, your track record, and how your lab and institution provide an ideal environment.

What Makes a Strong F31 Application?
The key to success lies in the details. Each section should build a cohesive narrative, underscoring the student’s promise, the project’s significance, and the support system in place. Be sure to emphasize skill development and how the student’s career trajectory will benefit from this experience. Additionally, ensure that your mentoring plan is robust and specific, detailing how you will guide the student’s research and career development.

The F31 is competitive, but with careful planning, it can be a valuable asset for your graduate student, advancing both their career and your research program.