NIJ FY25 Graduate Research Fellowship

The Graduate Research Fellowship program offered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) under the U.S. Department of Justice aims to support exceptional doctoral students whose dissertation research aligns with key areas in the criminal and juvenile justice system in the United States. This funding opportunity serves the broader mission of the Department of Justice by fostering research that contributes to crime prevention, public safety, border protection, law enforcement, and the equitable administration of justice. Through this program, the NIJ seeks to build a strong pipeline of scholars capable of delivering evidence-based insights to inform national policies and practices in the justice system. The program awards grants to accredited degree-granting institutions in the United States or its territories, which act as sponsors for doctoral students enrolled in eligible research doctorate programs. The proposed dissertation must hold demonstrable relevance to justice-related issues, and the student's academic institution must verify current enrollment in a qualifying doctoral program. Humanities and visual or performing arts programs are explicitly excluded. Selected students may receive up to three years of financial support, usable within a five-year period. Each year of support includes $41,000 toward salary and fringe benefits, up to $16,000 as a cost of education allowance, and up to $3,000 in research expenses. These funds are provided as part of a single grant award but disbursed incrementally, contingent on annual proof of academic progress and continued enrollment. Applicants must submit their initial SF-424 application via Grants.gov by May 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and complete their full application in JustGrants by May 27, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. To ensure eligibility, the institution must submit a statement of support from the student’s dissertation committee chair or an equivalent official, along with the student’s enrollment verification and transcripts. Although it is not mandatory to have an approved dissertation topic at the time of application, funds will not be released until such approval is confirmed. In cases where no committee is yet formed, a supporting statement from a department official is required, and milestone expectations must be noted in the project timeline. The evaluation process includes a basic minimum requirements review, peer review by subject matter experts, and further programmatic and financial reviews. Peer review will assess problem definition, methodological rigor, qualifications of the student and academic environment, and the projected impact of the research. Proposals that directly support law enforcement, public safety, or services to victims and children are given priority consideration, though this does not guarantee funding. The program does not support research outside the criminal justice scope, or that involves activities violating federal civil rights or immigration law. Deliverables for awarded fellows include their completed dissertation, annual performance reports, scholarly publications or prototypes, and a data management plan ensuring long-term archiving of datasets. Grantees are required to comply with all human subjects and privacy protections as mandated by federal law. The anticipated period of performance ranges between 12 and 60 months, with projects expected to start on January 1, 2027. While the program is competitive, it represents a critical investment in the development of future justice researchers and aligns with NIJ’s commitment to advancing justice through scientifically rigorous inquiry.

Include all required statements and compliance documents to avoid ineligibility; address relevance to U.S. justice policy clearly.