Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT) (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT) program is administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences within the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program operates under the NIH Research Education Program mechanism and is designed to support educational activities that strengthen the biomedical research workforce. NIGMS focuses on building capacity across the national research ecosystem by funding programs that complement formal training pathways and respond to evolving scientific and workforce needs. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support innovative educational initiatives that enhance the technical, operational, and professional skills required for careers in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The program emphasizes activities such as skills development courses, curriculum or methods development, and structured mentoring. These initiatives must be broadly accessible and are expected to serve participants across multiple career stages, including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and professionals such as faculty and staff scientists. Funding supports the design and implementation of programs that are innovative in approach, whether through new methodologies, technologies, or novel applications of existing practices. Allowable uses of funds include personnel costs for program leadership, participant support such as stipends or travel where justified, and program-related expenses like materials and dissemination activities. Budgets are capped at five hundred thousand dollars per year in direct costs, with a maximum project period of five years. Indirect costs are limited to eight percent of modified total direct costs. Cost sharing is not required for this program. Eligibility is broad and includes U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments, and other eligible public entities. Foreign organizations and foreign components are not eligible to apply. Programs must be open to participants beyond a single institution and are expected to have national reach unless a regional focus is strongly justified. Applicants must demonstrate institutional support and ensure that the proposed activities are distinct from existing federally funded training programs. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or the NIH ASSIST system and tracked through eRA Commons. Applicants are required to follow detailed NIH application instructions, including preparation of a Research Education Program Plan that outlines program design, participant recruitment, evaluation strategies, and dissemination plans. Required components include organizational support letters, detailed budgets, and compliance with NIH policies on data sharing and research integrity. Applications that fail to meet compliance standards may be rejected without review. Applications are evaluated through a two-stage NIH peer review process. Review criteria include significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and environment. Additional considerations include evaluation plans, dissemination strategies, and the ability to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Funding decisions are based on scientific merit, alignment with program priorities, and availability of funds. The earliest start dates follow advisory council review, typically several months after submission. The application timeline includes multiple annual deadlines, with submissions historically due in October of each cycle. However, this specific funding opportunity expired early on July 7, 2026, and is no longer accepting applications. While NIH may occasionally accept late submissions under specific policies, applicants are encouraged to monitor the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts for future reissuances or similar opportunities. Contact with NIGMS program staff is strongly recommended prior to application to ensure alignment with program goals and requirements.

Emphasize innovation and national impact; ensure program is distinct from existing federally funded training; provide strong evaluation and dissemination plans; demonstrate broad accessibility