Maximizing the Scientific Value of Data Generated by the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32)

Funding Opportunity Announcement RFA-OD-27-008, issued by the National Institutes of Health under the Department of Health and Human Services, solicits applications for the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (F32). The program aims to advance child health research by supporting mentored postdoctoral fellows who utilize the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) longitudinal data available through the NICHD Data and Specimen Hub (DASH) repository. Research must focus on one of five primary pediatric outcome areas: neurodevelopment, positive health, upper and lower airway, pre-, peri-, and postnatal outcomes, or obesity. The initiative intends to fund approximately eight awards with a total estimated value of 1,260,000 dollars for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. Applications are evaluated by a Scientific Review Group based on the candidate's goals and potential, the rigor of the research training plan, and the quality of the mentoring environment. While candidates may gain experience in clinical trials led by a sponsor, they are prohibited from leading independent clinical trials. Eligible applicants include those affiliated with higher education institutions, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations, provided they maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and eRA Commons. The application window opens on November 2, 2026, with a submission deadline of December 2, 2026. Awardees are required to adhere to strict cybersecurity incident reporting protocols, notifying relevant agencies within 48 hours of any discovery.