Health Disparities Research Institute

Application period: March 3 - April 10, 2026
Location: NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD
In-person only

NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI):

• Supports the professional development of promising early-stage investigators (ESI) pursuing careers in minority health and health disparities science.
• Stimulates ideas for new and interdisciplinary scientific research to improve population health.
• Focuses on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and gold-standard science with real-world implications.

Applications will only be accepted from individuals who meet NIH early-stage investigator (ESI) eligibility criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Content

The HDRI features lectures on minority health and health disparities science, seminars, small group discussions and more. Program participants will have the opportunity to meet with NIH scientific staff who manage related health disparities research across NIH.

Lecture and seminar topics focus on the etiology of health disparities, research design, methods and measurement, and intervention and implementation research. HDRI scholars will have the opportunity to learn about the cloud-based platform, SCHARE. Participants will also receive consultation on developing a research interest into an application—R21, R01, or K award—and preparing research strategies and methodologies for proposed studies.

Eligibility/Requirements

At the time of application, interested parties must fulfill all 4 of the criteria below:

1. Be an early-stage investigator (ESI) who has completed their terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training within the past 10 years.
   • Qualify as an ESI
   • List of grant awards that can be received and still retain ESI status
   • Processes for extending ESI status
2. Hold 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
3. Hold one of the following positions currently:
   • 2nd or 3rd year postdoctoral fellowship, preparing to transition to independent career stage
   • Assistant professor
   • Associate professor
   • Or comparable research position
4. Planning to submit an F, K, R21, or R01 grant to NIH within the next 12 months

HDRI also supports early-stage investigators who seek to change research direction or re-enter science, or who are transitioning to a research career focus. 

Neither previous participants of the HDRI or the Translational Health Disparities Course, nor NIH or HHS staff are eligible to apply. 

Admission is competitive and daily attendance is mandatory regardless of other professional commitments.

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on several factors including the applicant’s research accomplishments, research interests, and potential for implementing the knowledge gained during the HDRI into their research program.

Priority will be given to research accomplishments and interests that:

• Align with the NIH Unified Strategy to advance solution-oriented approaches in health disparities research.
• Focus on NIH-designated U.S. populations experiencing health disparities.
• Include biomedical outcomes, as well as validated assessments of demographic, social, and economic factors.
• Clearly demonstrate plans to submit an NIH grant application within one year of attending HDRI.

The following materials must be submitted as part of the online application package:

• An NIH Biosketch that includes professional and research experience, educational and career achievements and a record of peer-reviewed publications (first or co-authored).
• A personal statement outlining career goals with respect to minority health and/or health disparity research, reasons for participating in the program, and plans for future NIH grant submission. Word limit: 350 words.
• An NIH Specific Aims page that details 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 recommendation documenting support for the candidate and the plan for future NIH grant submission.

Cost

There is no tuition cost for participating in the HDRI. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging. 

Individuals who need reasonable accommodation to participate should contact HDRI@nih.gov at least five business days before the event.

For questions, please email HDRI@nih.gov.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the HDRI application portal by the due date; emailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline; late submissions will not be accepted.

• HDRI application portal opens: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
• HDRI application portal closes: Friday, April 10, 2026 (5:00pm ET)
• HDRI acceptance notifications sent by email: June 2026
• NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute: August 3-7, 2026

Page updated March 2, 2026