Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Research Experiences (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Cancer Institute (NCI), offers the Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Research Experiences under the R25 activity code. This program is designed to support research education initiatives that enhance and complement existing training efforts in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The overarching goal is to strengthen the research workforce by providing high-quality educational experiences that align with the NIH mission, particularly in advancing cancer research and care. The program emphasizes innovative approaches to exposing participants to cancer-related research topics, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The funding opportunity specifically supports structured research experiences that provide hands-on exposure to cancer research. These experiences are expected to be full-time engagements, typically ranging from 8 to 15 weeks, with the potential for extended part-time involvement to complete the equivalent of 15 weeks within a 12-month period. Participants are integrated into active research environments under faculty mentorship and are encouraged to present their findings and contribute to scholarly publications. Complementary educational activities such as seminars and workshops may be included but must remain secondary to the primary research experience. Funding is provided as a grant mechanism, with a maximum allowable budget of $300,000 in direct costs per year and a project period of up to five years. Allowable costs include personnel, participant support such as travel and subsistence, and program-related expenses. However, certain costs are explicitly disallowed, including stipends, salaries for participants, and general institutional expenses not directly tied to the program. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate of 8 percent of modified total direct costs. Importantly, the program does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad, encompassing higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and various levels of government entities within the United States. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, although foreign components within U.S. organizations may be permitted. The program primarily targets participants such as undergraduate, graduate, and health professional students, with a preference for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The principal investigator must be an established researcher capable of leading the program and ensuring its successful implementation. Applications must be submitted electronically through approved NIH systems such as ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. Applicants are required to follow detailed instructions outlined in the NIH Application Guide and ensure compliance with all submission requirements. The application includes components such as a research education program plan, evaluation strategy, and institutional commitment documentation. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including significance, investigator capability, innovation, approach, and environment. The application timeline follows standard NIH submission cycles with multiple deadlines throughout the year, typically in January, May, and September. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Following submission, applications undergo peer review and advisory council evaluation, with funding decisions based on merit, program relevance, and availability of funds. The opportunity was originally scheduled to expire in January 2027 but was updated to an early expiration date of June 18, 2026, indicating that it is no longer accepting applications unless special exceptions apply. Key contacts for this program include scientific, peer review, and grants management officials at the National Cancer Institute, as well as general NIH support services. These contacts provide assistance with application preparation, submission issues, and programmatic questions. The program represents a significant opportunity for institutions to develop impactful cancer research education initiatives, although applicants must carefully adhere to all requirements and timelines due to the competitive nature of NIH funding.

Focus on strong evaluation plan and clearly defined research experiences; ensure program is distinct from existing federally funded training; demonstrate institutional commitment and mentorship strength