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Diversity Supplements

NIH Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research, commonly referred to as “Diversity Supplements,” are important mechanisms for addressing underrepresentation in the scientific research workforce. They can also benefit your current research by supporting talented researchers who can help expand the work of an ongoing project. These funding opportunities are crucial for developing the research careers of students, post-doctorates, and investigators from diverse backgrounds, especially those belonging to groups that are underrepresented in health research as they contribute to a more equitable career landscape.

Below are some key points to consider if you’re thinking about applying for a Diversity Supplement:

  • Diversity Supplements must support work within the parent project.
  • At the time of award, the parent grant must have support remaining for a reasonable period (at least a year). Supplemental funding may not extend beyond the parent grant’s project end date.
  • There is no peer review process. Supplements receive administrative review.
  • Diversity Supplements generally have rolling deadlines (but consult the specific Institute to be sure).
  • The Diversity Supplement application requirements differ by Institute, so always consult the Program Officer before getting started.
  • The general FOA is PA-21-071, but there are also Notices of Special Interest (NOSI) that might be a great fit for your project.

Who is eligible?

  • Principal Investigators who hold active NIH D, G, P, R, and U grants (see the full list here: PA-21-071) are generally eligible to apply for a Diversity Supplement.
  • Eligible candidates can include (consult Institute as definitions can differ):
    • Students: High school students, undergraduate students, post-baccalaureate and post-master’s degree students who have recently graduated, graduate and health professional students, post-doctorates
    • Faculty who wish to participate in ongoing research projects while further developing their own independent research potential
    • Established investigators who become disabled
    • Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences
    • Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
    • Individuals from disadvantaged social and educational backgrounds
    • Women from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, who have disabilities, or come from disadvantaged backgrounds
    • See the funding announcement for a more complete list: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-21-071.html
    • Additional Opportunities: Be on the lookout for NOSI designed to support research highlighting health disparities and intersectional research approaches, rather than career development for researchers. For example: NOT-OD-22-031

What are my first steps?