Aging Research Dissertation Awards to Increase Diversity (R36) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Aging Research Dissertation Awards to Increase Diversity (R36) opportunity?

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards to Increase Diversity (R36) is a National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity that supports doctoral dissertation research in areas that fall within NIA's mission. A major goal is to strengthen and broaden the diversity of the research workforce focused on aging and aging-related health conditions by providing dissertation-stage support.

What is the main purpose of this award?

The central purpose is to provide targeted funding to qualified predoctoral students so they can complete a well-defined dissertation project related to aging. The award is positioned to help advance dissertation progress and support the trainee's development toward the next steps of a research career in aging science.

Who is this award intended for?

This award is meant for qualified predoctoral students who are enrolled in accredited research doctoral programs in the United States, including Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories or possessions, and who are at a dissertation stage where dedicated support can meaningfully advance completion of the dissertation research.

What kinds of research topics fit this program?

The dissertation research must fall within NIA's mission and be related to aging or aging-related health conditions. The opportunity is specifically described as supporting work that contributes to the aging research field.

What grant mechanism does this program use?

This opportunity uses the NIH Dissertation Award (R36) grant mechanism. The R36 mechanism is intended to fund dissertation research rather than broader multi-year training activities or large-scale research programs.

How is the R36 mechanism typically used in practice?

In practical terms, the R36 structure supports a doctoral candidate in carrying out a well-defined dissertation study under the mentorship and institutional environment of their graduate program, with an expectation that the work will contribute to aging research and help position the trainee for future research career steps.

Is this a new program or a continuation of a prior program?

This announcement is described as a reissuance of a prior Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), indicating that NIA is continuing an established approach to supporting dissertation researchers and maintaining a pipeline of emerging scholars in aging science.

How much funding is available through this FOA?

Funding levels depend on the availability of federal funds and on the quality and volume of applications received. NIA projected an annual total investment of approximately $250,000 to $300,000 beginning in Fiscal Year 2009.

How many awards did NIA expect to make each year?

NIA expected to support up to five dissertation awards per year, based on the projected annual investment and the competitiveness of the program.

How competitive is the program?

The program is competitive and selective. The description notes that awards are expected to go to applications judged to be the most meritorious based on NIH peer review standards and programmatic priorities, and that funding depends on both the number and quality of applications as well as available federal funds.

Is cost-sharing or matching required?

No. The FOA states there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applicants and institutions are not required to provide matching funds as a condition of receiving an award.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

At the organizational level, eligibility is limited to public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. The applicant organization is typically the university or degree-granting institution where the doctoral student is enrolled.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Health.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA number 93.866, which corresponds to Aging Research.

Is this a discretionary grant program?

Yes. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant program.

Which agency sponsors this grant opportunity?

The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the institute component managing the scientific scope related to aging is the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

What is the funding opportunity number for this FOA?

The funding opportunity number is PAR-08-250.

What is the official title of this FOA?

The title is "Aging Research Dissertation Awards to Increase Diversity (R36)."

When was this FOA posted?

It was posted on August 22, 2008.

What were the closing date and archive date for this announcement?

The original and current closing date listed is January 7, 2011. The archive date is February 7, 2011.

Is this FOA still active?

No. The dates provided indicate this particular announcement is no longer active (it closed on January 7, 2011 and was archived on February 7, 2011), though it remains part of the public record.

Where were additional details and the full official announcement provided?

Additional details and the full official announcement were provided through the NIH Grants Guide page referenced in the listing.

Who should be contacted for access or technical issues related to the announcement?

For access or technical issues related to the announcement, the contact provided is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.