NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship | O NIJ 2024 171946

NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship (Graduate Research Fellowship) FAQs

1) What is the NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship?

The NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), through the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It is designed to fund doctoral dissertation research that generates practical, evidence-based knowledge for the U.S. criminal and juvenile justice systems.

2) What is the main purpose of this fellowship?

The core purpose is to support doctoral dissertation research that can produce actionable findings for real-world criminal and juvenile justice decision-making in the United States. NIJ is looking for methodologically sound dissertation work that is clearly relevant to policy and practice.

3) What kinds of research topics is NIJ looking for?

NIJ is looking for dissertation research that speaks directly to real-world justice challenges, including:

• Preventing and controlling crime
• Improving understanding of victimization
• Understanding what works in victim services
• Strengthening the fair, impartial administration of criminal and juvenile justice

4) How does this opportunity connect to DOJ and OJP priorities?

A major emphasis is aligning research with DOJ and OJP priorities related to civil rights and equity, increased access to justice, and stronger community safety. The solicitation also frames these priorities in the context of protecting the public from both traditional crime and evolving threats, while supporting crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system.

5) Does NIJ emphasize community trust and legitimacy in justice research?

Yes. A recurring theme is building trust between law enforcement and the community. This signals interest in rigorous research that can inform policy and practice in ways that improve legitimacy, accountability, and public confidence.

6) Is this funding meant for academic research only, or for applied impact?

The fellowship is intended to go beyond academic curiosity. NIJ emphasizes dissertation research that is methodologically strong and directly relevant to criminal justice and juvenile justice practice and decision-making in the United States.

7) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education. This includes both public (and state-controlled) and private colleges and universities.

8) What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

9) How is this opportunity categorized (CFDA and activity type)?

The opportunity is categorized under science and technology and other research and development activity, with CFDA 16.560.

10) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-NIJ-2024-171946.

11) What is the official name of the opportunity?

The opportunity is identified as the NIJ FY24 Graduate Research Fellowship.

12) When was this funding opportunity created?

The creation date listed for the opportunity is January 18, 2024.

13) What was the application closing date?

The original application closing date listed was April 10, 2024.

14) How many awards did NIJ anticipate making?

The opportunity anticipated making around 20 awards.

15) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling is $2,250,000.

16) What broader goals does NIJ mention beyond funding individual dissertations?

From a workforce and field-building standpoint, the fellowship is also meant to expand the pipeline of researchers working on justice-related problems. NIJ is explicitly trying to grow the pool of scholars who can provide science-based solutions that agencies, policymakers, and practitioners can use.