T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA HL 19 023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the T32 Training Program for Institutions That Promote Diversity (RFA-HL-19-023)?

RFA-HL-19-023 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It uses the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) T32 mechanism to support institutional research training programs.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to increase and strengthen participation in research by people from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented in research related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders. It aims to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce across the career development continuum.

What kinds of institutions is this FOA designed to support?

This FOA is aimed at institutions whose mission and track record are closely tied to serving health disparity populations that have historically been underrepresented in scientific research, including institutions explicitly recognized through federal legislation for that purpose. The opportunity is intended to expand biomedical research training capacity at these organizations.

Why does the FOA emphasize institutions embedded in health disparity communities?

These institutions are often embedded in, and trusted by, the communities most affected by health disparities. That positioning can help connect research training and research questions to real-world community needs and support training that promotes diversity and addresses inequities in health outcomes.

Is this grant meant to fund individuals directly or institutions?

This is an institutional training program grant (T32), meaning the award supports an institution to run a structured training program and appoint trainees into that program, rather than funding an individual applicant directly.

What trainee career stages can be supported under this program?

The training scope includes support for predoctoral trainees, health professional students, and postdoctoral trainees. The program emphasis includes helping trainees progress from earlier stages into advanced research training.

What scientific and research areas does the training program need to focus on?

The scientific focus areas are cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic diseases, along with sleep disorders. These areas reflect NHLBI's mission and portfolio.

What types of training activities are expected in a T32 program under this FOA?

While the provided FOA summary does not list specific required elements in detail, the training program is described as typically combining mentored research experiences, formal didactic components, and professional development (for example, responsible conduct of research, career skills, and discipline-specific methods). The T32 mechanism generally expects a cohesive program with training faculty, a recruitment and support plan, milestones, and an institutional environment and resources that enable trainee success.

Does the FOA require a structured training environment?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes structured training environments intended to help trainees develop through successive stages of research training, supported by mentoring, didactic instruction, and professional development.

What is the broader intent beyond training individual trainees?

Beyond training individuals, NHLBI intends for this T32 program to strengthen institutional infrastructure and culture for sustained research training that promotes diversity and addresses inequities in health outcomes.

Can trainees lead a clinical trial under this FOA?

No. Appointed trainees are not allowed to lead an independent clinical trial under this FOA, meaning they cannot be the responsible party designing and directing a clinical trial as the primary lead.

Can trainees still gain clinical trial experience under this FOA?

Yes. The FOA allows trainees to gain clinical trial research experience when the clinical trial is led by a mentor or co-mentor. Trainees may participate in trial conduct and may analyze or interpret clinical trial data under supervision, as long as responsibility for the trial remains with an experienced investigator.

Who is eligible to apply (in general terms)?

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations that can host an institutional training program. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and certain nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities).

What institution types are specifically called out as especially relevant to the mission?

The FOA highlights several categories of institutions and organizations aligned with the diversity and health disparities mission, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based or community-based organizations, and certain tribal entities.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are included among the listed eligible applicant types.

Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

No. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations eligible?

No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, consistent with the program's goal of building training capacity within the United States and its territories.

Which agency and institute administer this opportunity?

The opportunity is run through NIH and administered by NHLBI.

What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?

The program uses the Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA T32 mechanism, which supports institutional research training programs.

What is the funding category and grant type?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant in the health funding category.

What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers: 93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, and 93.840.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The funding opportunity was created on 2018-04-27.

What is the original closing date listed for this opportunity?

The original closing date listed is 2021-05-06.

Does the provided information include an award ceiling or expected number of awards?

No. The provided source data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards. Applicants would need to consult the full FOA for budget and award planning details such as allowable costs, trainee slots, and project period.

What is the plain-language purpose of this FOA?

In plain terms, the FOA invests in institutions that already serve health disparity communities and promote diversity so they can train the next generation of researchers in heart, lung, blood, and sleep science, strengthening the research pipeline and community-engaged research capacity.