UW BIRCWH (Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health) K12 Scholar Program

About this program

University of Wisconsin–Madison administers the NIH‑funded BIRCWH K12 Scholar Program to support mentored, interdisciplinary early‑career research in women’s health, typically funding 3–4 scholars with applications accepted on an ongoing basis and the next official cycle opening in early spring 2027. Awards provide up to 75% protected salary support (12 months) up to $100,000 annually (50% salary support for surgeons/procedure‑intensive specialties) plus $25,000–$50,000 in research support for up to two years; departments must confirm 75% protected time and provide $25,000 matching research funds annually. Eligible applicants are early‑career investigators (clinical doctorate or PhD) at or below Assistant Professor within eight years of their terminal degree (exceptions for approved career hiatus), who are U.S. citizens, non‑citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents, and who have not served as PD/PI on large federal research grants or certain center/program awards. Applications require a Candidate Statement, IDP, Research and Mentoring Plans, mentors’ commitment letters and biosketches, departmental chair letter, candidate CV/NIH biosketch, lead‑author publications, and all designated mentors must hold primary appointments at UW–Madison.