Working with ORSP on the Loan Repayment Program

Application Cycle Open from September 1 to November 16, 2023.

It’s that time of year again for the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP)! The application cycle is open this year from September 1 through November 16.

Key Information for U-M LRP Applicants:

1. Institutional Business Official 

Amanda Reel, ORSP Project Representative, is the Institutional Business Official (IBO) to list on LRP Applications. 

• Use her Commons ID (REELA1). Note that all caps is required.
• For questions email reela@umich.edu.

2. No PAF is required.

Individuals apply for the program, so no Proposal Approval Form (PAF) is necessary.

3. Dates and Deadlines.

The application cycle is open from September 1, 2023, to November 16, 2023. ORSP and NIH recommend completing the Colleague Information section of the application at least two weeks before the submission deadline. 

4. An eRA Commons ID with the PI role is required. 

• In order to obtain a new Commons ID at U-M and/or request the PI role, use this form to request submit the request to ORSP. 
• Note: You must have previously signed into eResearch.

5. Eligibility.

Eligible individuals must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents.

The LRP Application is now part of ASSIST

The NIH LRP application is now part of the Application Submission System & Interface for Submission Tracking (ASSIST). ASSIST is used to prepare and submit applications electronically to NIH and other Public Health Service agencies.

Login to ASSIST with your eRA commons ID. Once you have logged in, click Go for the “Initiate or Access Loan Repayment Application” option.

We strongly encourage applicants to review the NIH LRP Website for helpful resources, including FAQ’s and the Application Guide.

*What is the LRP program?

The Loan Repayment Program (LRP) was established by Congress to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or biobehavioral research careers with a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research.

The LRP counteracts financial pressure by repaying up to $50,000 annually of a researcher's qualified educational debt in return for a commitment to engage in NIH mission-relevant research. Each year, more than 1,600 researchers receive contracts from the NIH LRP. 

The escalating costs of advanced education and training in medicine and clinical specialties force some scientists to abandon their research careers for higher-paying private industry or private practice careers.