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

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting an opportunity titled "NIH Research Education Program - Courses, Curriculum & Methods (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This initiative represents a strategic investment in educational efforts designed to enhance the development and dissemination of knowledge and skills critical to biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The NIH Research Education Program (R25) is designed not only to complement traditional research training but also to expand the skillsets of future investigators and educators across diverse biomedical fields. Through this program, the NIH aims to support educational projects that address critical gaps in research training and workforce development. The core focus areas include courses for skills development and curriculum and methods development. These elements are intended to build capacity and prepare individuals for impactful careers that address national health-related research priorities. Applications may also incorporate additional educational strategies such as mentoring, hands-on research experiences, or outreach components if they reinforce the program’s central mission of preparing a skilled, diverse, and research-literate workforce. Spending under this grant must align with the authorized uses described in the Public Health Service Act and federal regulations. Allowable activities are expected to foster the development of innovative educational approaches without directly supporting clinical trials. Funds may be used for curriculum development, instruction, faculty support, participant engagement, and administrative expenses consistent with NIH policies. Specific allocations and allowable costs will likely be detailed in the forthcoming NOFO when the opportunity moves from forecast to open status. The funding opportunity explicitly does not require cost sharing or matching contributions. Eligibility is broad and inclusive, encompassing public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), federally recognized and non-recognized tribal governments and organizations, and U.S. territories. Faith-based and community-based organizations are also encouraged to apply. This broad eligibility structure ensures that a wide range of qualified entities may submit proposals, thus promoting diversity in project design and target populations. Submission is anticipated to open on March 25, 2026, with an application deadline of May 25, 2026. Awards are projected to be announced by April 1, 2027, with the performance period beginning on that same date. No pre-application requirements, such as letters of intent or concept papers, are specified at this stage. The full application process will be detailed in the final announcement when posted. Evaluation criteria are not yet provided but will follow NIH’s general peer review standards, focusing on innovation, significance, investigator qualifications, and potential for broader impact. This funding opportunity is forecasted for fiscal year 2026. It is recurring in nature, with the next anticipated cycle expected in May 2027, following the same submission timeline annually. The program is managed by the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce (DBRW), Office of Extramural Research at NIH. For further inquiries, interested applicants are encouraged to contact the DBRW via the provided email. No direct phone number or downloadable PDF was listed at this stage of the forecast.