HDRI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At the time of submitting their applications, interested parties must fulfill all 4 of the criteria below:

1. Be an early-stage investigator (ESI) who has completed their terminal degree or postgraduate clinical training within the past 10 years.
• See if you qualify as an ESI.
• See the list of grant awards you can receive and still retain your ESI status.
2. Have a terminal research degree such as a Ph.D., M.D./D.O., Sc.D., Dr.P.H., DrNP, Pharm.D., Psy.D., D.D.S./D.M.D. or equivalent doctoral research degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution.
3. Currently hold a position as a postdoctoral fellow, assistant professor, or comparable research position.
4. Planning to submit a K or R grant to NIH within the next 12 months.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Extensions may be granted for several reasons as described in NOT-OD-19-125.
• It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange extension of ESI status prior to submitting the HDRI application.
• See information on how to extend your ESI period for maternity reasons.

• Individuals who currently hold or have been previously awarded an R01 or similar grant (annual budget of $200,000 or more) as PI or MPI are ineligible.
• Individuals who are in the process of applying for or have been awarded Ks, R03s, R21s, or other grants with annual budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply.
• See the list of grant awards that you can receive and still retain your ESI status.

The HDRI is open to all eligible applicants. However, the NIH cannot provide any financial or travel/visa related assistance beyond the standard acceptance confirmation.

• NIH and HHS staff, including persons engaged in fellowships/training at NIH or an HHS agency.
• Individuals who previously participated in the HDRI or the Translational Health Disparities Course.
• A person holding the rank of associate professor at the time of applying, even if still with ESI status.

To apply to the HDRI you must submit your application via the online HDRI application portal. You will be asked to log in using an eRA Commons ID or an open access personal email address.

• eRA Commons Frequently Asked Questions

All of the following materials must be submitted by the applicant via the HDRI application portal by the deadline:

1. An NIH Biosketch: Read NIH’s Biosketch guidance to learn more about the non-fellowship and fellowship formats.
2. A personal statement: The personal statement should outline career goals, reasons for participating in the program, and plans for obtaining NIH funding. Word limit: 350 words.
3. A Specific Aims page: The NIH specific aims page should detail the scientific premise/background, aims/hypotheses, and proposed methodology that will form the basis of a future NIH grant submission. Word limit: 850 words, no citations required.
4. Two letters of reference/recommendation: The applicant must submit two letters of reference/recommendation (2-page limit each) documenting support for the candidate and the future NIH grant submission. They must be submitted in PDF format, on letterhead, addressed to the HDRI Selection Committee.

Note: There is no other specific formatting required for font or spacing.

No extensions or late materials via email will be allowed. Late, incomplete, or emailed applications will not be considered. Troubleshoot your application accordingly.

No. All applications submitted will be reviewed by the selection committee and top finalists will be invited to attend the HDRI.

The HDRI application portal website opens Monday, February 6, 2023, and closes Monday, March 13, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET.

All applicants will receive notification of their application status (accepted or declined) via email by June 2, 2023.

NIMHD staff cannot provide pre-submission technical assistance or review HDRI applications prior to submission. It is highly encouraged that applicants work with their mentors to develop an HDRI application for submission.

Due to the large volume of applications, feedback will not be provided to applicants.

The HDRI will run from Monday, August 7, to Friday, August 11, 2023.

The HDRI will be held in person on the NIH campus, Bethesda, Maryland.

Yes. Applicants are required to attend all HDRI sessions and participate in all activities. Scholars are responsible for adjusting academic and clinical schedules well in advance of the HDRI.

Approximately 50 scholars will be selected to participate in the HDRI.

Presentations and other materials may be distributed to accepted scholars.

There are no tuition or registration fees for participating in the HDRI.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, room and board.

Limited travel scholarships may be available to help offset travel-related expenses. Applicants selected to attend the HDRI will receive additional information on travel scholarships (no separate application process required).

No. CMEs/CEUs will not be offered.

Auditing is not allowed.