Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training is a federal funding opportunity offered by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases within the National Institutes of Health. This program is designed to strengthen the biomedical research workforce by supporting institutional training networks focused on kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, including both adult and pediatric conditions. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, reflecting a collaborative partnership between the federal agency and award recipients, with substantial programmatic involvement from NIH staff throughout the project period. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of biomedical researchers working in non-malignant kidney, urologic, and hematologic fields. The program emphasizes the development of integrated institutional networks that provide coordinated resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Institutions are encouraged to submit a single unified application that may include multiple departments or partner institutions, though representation across all disciplines is not required. Awardees are expected to participate in a broader national network known as the Kidney, Urology and Hematology Research Training Network, which fosters collaboration and shared learning across funded programs. Funding supports a multi-component structure that includes an Administrative Core, a Networking and Professional Development Core, and a Training Core. The Administrative Core is responsible for governance and program management, while the Networking Core focuses on trainee development, peer networking, and mentoring structures. The Training Core provides direct support for at least five predoctoral and/or postdoctoral trainees engaged in relevant research. The program allows flexibility in structuring these components but requires that total administrative and networking costs do not exceed forty percent of the training core budget. The maximum project period is five years, and funding is contingent on federal appropriations and application merit. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based organizations such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and government agencies at various levels. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, although certain non-funded international collaborations may be permitted. Individual trainees supported under the program must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents and must commit to full-time research training. Predoctoral trainees must be enrolled in doctoral programs, while postdoctoral trainees must hold qualifying doctoral degrees at the time of appointment. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using NIH-approved systems such as ASSIST or institutional system-to-system solutions. Applicants are required to follow detailed multi-component application instructions, including submission of specific cores and supporting documentation. Required materials include research plans, training program descriptions, institutional commitment letters, and data tables outlining trainee outcomes and faculty qualifications. Applications are subject to strict compliance checks and must adhere to NIH formatting and submission guidelines to be considered for review. The review process evaluates applications based on scientific merit, program design, institutional environment, and the ability to effectively train and support researchers. Review criteria include significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and training outcomes. Applications undergo peer review followed by advisory council evaluation before funding decisions are made. Key deadlines follow standard NIH cycles, with applications due annually on May 25 and awards typically beginning the following April after review and council approval. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle through at least 2028, with multiple submission opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for corrections and ensure compliance. Contact information is provided for scientific and grants management inquiries, and applicants are advised to consult NIH systems and support services for technical assistance during submission. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant investment in developing a skilled and sustainable biomedical research workforce aligned with national health priorities.

Align program design with NIH review criteria emphasizing trainee outcomes strong mentorship structures and institutional commitment to workforce development