NIH Research Educational Program -Mentoring Activities & Networks (R25/UE5)

The National Institutes of Health Research Educational Program, under solicitation PA-27-035, is a funding opportunity (R25/UE5) designed to support mentoring activities and networks that enhance the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce. The program aims to recruit individuals with specialized backgrounds into research careers and foster a deeper understanding of health-related research. Key performance metrics include the successful completion of STEM degrees for high school and undergraduate participants, and for graduate or postdoctoral participants, the achievement of employment in research fields, authorship of scientific publications, and the acquisition of independent research grant support. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, local and federal governments, and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. While application budgets are not strictly limited and must reflect actual needs, typical direct costs are expected to be no more than 500,000 dollars. Applications are evaluated based on the significance of the program and the capability of the investigators to provide leadership, with additional unscored reviews for human subject protections and budget reasonableness. The program requires strict adherence to administrative and safety standards, including active SAM registration and a Unique Entity Identifier. Awardees must implement a cybersecurity incident response plan and notify the agency of any breaches within 48 hours. Additionally, the program mandates Responsible Conduct of Research training, which must include face-to-face or real-time instruction every four years, as online-only formats are not acceptable. The opportunity remains open for recurring applications through May 2029.