SCIENTIST SELECTION

How We Select Our Scientists

The NIH STAGE TRIALS Training Program selects candidates for admission through a rigorous, nationwide review process. Ideal applicants are early- to mid-career scientists based anywhere in the U.S. who:

Hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field (Ph.D., M.D., DNP, DDM, or equivalent)
Have at least 2 years of post-degree research experience in health-related and/or behavioral intervention science
Hold a faculty or scientist position with institutional support for research

The NIH STAGE TRIALS Training Program course curriculum is especially ideal for current or prospective NIH K award applicants who wish to strengthen their research and career development plans.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

Have an ongoing or planned project involving an RCT (with early-stage development work completed)
Bring prior experience with RCTs* (e.g., as a trainee or co-investigator)
Seek to strengthen their skills in behavioral intervention methods and NIH Stage Model-informed research to advance toward independence

* A RCT is a trial in which participants are randomly assigned to one or more groups, including an intervention and a control/comparison group.

Key Dates for 2026 STAGE TRIALS Cohort

February 2026 Selected Applicants Notification

January 16, 2026 Application Deadline

November 15, 2025 Applications Open

Click here to access the NIH STAGE TRIALS application form and submit your application.