NIH Research Education Program - Courses, Curriculum Methods (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIH Research Education Program - Courses, Curriculum & Methods (R25) is administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency responsible for biomedical and public health research in the United States, with a mission to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. This funding opportunity aligns with that mission by supporting structured research education activities that strengthen the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce. Multiple NIH Institutes and Centers participate in this program, reflecting its broad applicability across health-related disciplines. The primary purpose of this program is to support educational initiatives that complement existing research training efforts. Specifically, it aims to develop courses for skills development and advance curriculum or methods development in research education. These activities are intended to improve participants’ research capabilities, promote entry into research careers, and enhance understanding of research methodologies and their societal implications. Programs are expected to deliver innovative, evidence-based instruction and may include in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Funding supports a wide range of allowable costs, including personnel, participant support (such as stipends, tuition, travel, and housing), and program-related expenses like supplies and equipment. Budgets are not strictly capped but are expected to align with project needs, typically not exceeding $500,000 in direct costs annually. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate of 8 percent. The maximum project period is five years. Cost sharing is not required for this opportunity. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, encompassing higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and government entities at various levels. However, foreign organizations and non-U.S. components are not eligible. Programs must target participants at the undergraduate level or beyond, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, health professionals, and early-career investigators. Applicants must demonstrate institutional commitment and ensure that proposed activities are distinct from existing federally funded training programs. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or the NIH ASSIST system, with tracking via eRA Commons. Required components include a detailed Research Education Program Plan, covering program design, participant recruitment, evaluation strategies, and dissemination plans. Additional required elements include plans for instruction in responsible conduct of research and reproducibility. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with NIH program staff prior to submission to ensure alignment with institute priorities. Applications are evaluated through NIH’s peer review process based on criteria such as significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and environment. Additional considerations include human subjects protections, inclusion policies, and evaluation plans. Successful applications proceed to advisory council review before final funding decisions are made. Awards are contingent on merit, funding availability, and alignment with program priorities. This opportunity operates on a recurring schedule with standard NIH due dates three times per year. The earliest submission date for the current cycle is August 25, 2026, with application deadlines on September 25, January 25, and May 25 annually through 2029. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Review and award timelines follow predictable cycles, with earliest start dates typically occurring approximately 10 months after submission. The program expires on May 26, 2029, but recurring cycles indicate continued future opportunities.

Align program with NIH institute priorities; demonstrate clear workforce impact; include strong evaluation metrics; ensure program is distinct from existing federally funded training programs