An official website of the United States government
The 2026 Health Disparities Research Institute was held in-person on the NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD, from August 3-7, 2026.
The next application period for the Health Disparities Research Institute will open in 2027.
NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI):
Supports the professional development of promising early-stage investigators (ESI) pursuing careers in 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.
Program Content
The HDRI offers participants a week-long forum of sessions covering a wide range of topics related to health disparities, research design, development of grant applications, and opportunities to learn about NIH resources that can facilitate success in obtaining NIH funding. HDRI scholars will also learn about the cloud-based platform, SCHARE.
Program participants will have the opportunity to meet with NIH scientific staff who manage health disparities research across NIH. Scholars 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:
Be an early-stage investigator (ESI) who has completed a terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training within the past 10 years.
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
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
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 nor NIH or HHS staff are eligible to apply.
Admission is competitive and full attendance for all five days 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 understanding and/or addressing health disparities
Include biomedical or clinical outcomes, as well as validated assessments of demographic, economic, and contextual 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 health disparities 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.