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)

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program (ECHO) intends to promote an ongoing initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for awards to advance research and training in high-priority areas of child health using ECHO Cohort data by postdoctoral fellows from relevant scientific communities. This RFA will provide opportunities for fellows to study early environmental exposures and child health outcomes through the analysis of ECHO’s large longitudinal data set within the NICHD Data and Specimen Hub (DASH) repository. ECHO’s DASH dataset integrates de-identified longitudinal data from more than 71,000 maternal and child participants across the U.S. The data include prenatal and child environmental exposures of many kinds, and five primary pediatric outcome areas: pre-, peri-, and postnatal outcomes; upper and lower airway outcomes; obesity and its consequences; neurodevelopment; and positive health. This award will facilitate the entry of promising new investigators into the field of early environmental exposures and child health research, enhancing the pool of highly talented researchers. Any postdoctoral fellowship candidate studying in the areas identified is invited to work with their organization to develop an application for support.