General Information
The HDRI is NIMHD’s flagship annual training program. This unique program includes lectures on minority health and health disparities science, small group discussions, seminars and more. Program participants have the opportunity to meet NIH scientific staff engaged in health disparities research related to their interests both at NIMHD and across various NIH institutes and centers.
Eligibility
At the time of application, interested parties must fulfill all 4 of the criteria below:
- Be an early-stage investigator (ESI) who has completed a terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training within the past 10 years.
- Have a terminal research degree such as a Ph.D., M.D./D.O., Sc.D., Dr.P.H., Dr.N.P., Pharm.D., Psy.D., D.D.S./D.M.D. or equivalent doctoral research degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution.
- Currently hold a position as a posdoctoral fellow (2nd or 3rd year) and are preparing to transition into their independent career stage; assistant professor; associate professor; or comparable research position.
- Planning to submit an F, K, R21, or R01 grant to NIH within the next 12 months.
- 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 their 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.
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.
Application Process
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.
All of the following materials must be submitted by the applicant via the HDRI application portal by the deadline:
- An NIH Biosketch: Read NIH’s Biosketch guidance to learn more about the non-fellowship and fellowship formats.
- 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.
- An NIH 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.
- 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 Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and closes Friday, April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET.
All applicants will receive notification of their application status (accepted or declined) via email in June 2026.
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.
Logistics
The HDRI will run from Monday, August 3, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
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.
No. CMEs/CEUs will not be offered.
Auditing is not allowed.
Still have questions? Email HDRI@nih.gov
Page updated March 2, 2026