The Purpose of the F32 Mechanism

The purpose of the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32) is to support promising applicants during their mentored postdoctoral training under the guidance of outstanding faculty sponsors.  The integrated program of research and training should enhance the individual’s potential to develop into a productive, independent researcher. The training plan should document the need for, and the anticipated value of, the proposed mentored training in relationship to the individual’s research career goals. The training plan should also facilitate the fellow’s transition to the next stage of his/her career.

It is expected that the mentored training experience will provide:

    • A strong foundation in research design, methods, and analytic techniques appropriate to the proposed research;
    • An enhanced ability to conceptualize and think through research problems with increasing independence;
    • Experience conducting research using appropriate, state-of-the-art methods;
    • The opportunity to present and publish research findings (including first authorship as appropriate) and to interact with members of the scientific community at scientific meetings and workshops;
    • Professional and scientific skills needed to transition to the next stage of the applicant’s research career; and
    • Refinement of the applicant’s understanding of the health-related sciences and the relationship of his/her research to health and disease.

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