Patterns and Implications of 2025 NIH-F31 Grant Terminations for the Predoctoral Training Pipeline
Abstract
Abstract Introduction In 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) terminated student grants across the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship mechanisms, including both general F31 and F31-Diversity awards, disrupting a critical training pipeline marked by inequities. Since the terminations, the status of many grants has shifted amid an evolving landscape of freezes, appeals, and reinstatements, leading to prolonged uncertainty for predoctoral trainees. Methods In this article, we analyzed from publicly available data the scope and geographical distribution of terminated F31 (general and diversity) awards from 2025 and consider the implications of these terminations on trainees. We queried publicly available data from Grant Witness (November 16, 2025, to December 18, 2025), a website that monitors grant terminations across various United States (U.S.) government agencies, such as NIH. Results We found that 405 F31 grants were affected by the 2025 terminations; of these, 136 were general F31s, and 269 were F31-Diversity awards. States in the South and Midwest were disproportionately represented among the terminations of diversity-promoting F31s. Conclusion Federal agencies and academic institutions may consider implementing safeguards, including protections against midyear grant terminations and emergency bridge funding to protect trainees during periods of political and funding instability.
Key Points
Objective
This analysis aims to understand the implications of NIH F31 grant terminations on predoctoral training.
Methods
- Analyzed publicly available data on terminated F31 grants from November to December 2025.
- Examined geographical distribution of affected grants across the United States.
- Considered implications of terminations on the training pipeline for predoctoral students.
Results
- 405 F31 grants were terminated in 2025, including 136 general and 269 diversity awards.
- The terminations disproportionately affected states in the South and Midwest regarding diversity-promoting F31s.
- Recommendations include safeguards against midyear terminations and potential emergency funding for trainees.