The "Initiative to Maximize Research Education in Genomics: Diversity Action Plan" (NOFO Number PAR-22-268) is an NIH funding opportunity reissued under the R25 mechanism, managed by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). This program is designed to support educational and mentorship activities aimed at encouraging undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in genomics and biomedical sciences, to pursue careers in genomics research. By funding initiatives that integrate both foundational and experiential learning, NHGRI seeks to build a diverse workforce equipped for research in genomic sciences, genomic medicine, computational genomics and data science, genomics and society, and genomics and health equity.

The program is focused on providing immersive research experiences and structured courses for skills development. Funded programs may span summer, semester, or year-long periods for undergraduate trainees, while post-baccalaureate trainees can receive up to two years of support aimed at preparing them for doctoral-level education or professional careers in genomics. Courses designed to strengthen professional skills—such as scientific writing, communication, or graduate school application preparation—are encouraged to complement research experiences. Importantly, the program emphasizes mentorship, encouraging the involvement of faculty mentors committed to the development of a diverse research workforce. Mentored experiences are expected to include research projects across various domains of genomics without a focus on specific diseases.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, including public and private universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other institutions serving underrepresented communities. Participating institutions must demonstrate the availability of adequate research infrastructure, including laboratories and qualified faculty mentors. Applicants must also provide a plan for robust institutional support and detail a recruitment strategy aimed at achieving participant diversity as outlined in NIH’s Interest in Diversity (NOT-OD-20-031). Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. institutions are ineligible.

The NOFO specifies funding limits of $325,000 in direct costs annually, with the potential for project periods up to five years. Allowable expenses include personnel directly involved in program implementation, participant costs, and specific program-related expenses, such as housing and travel to NHGRI annual training meetings. Unallowable expenses cover tuition, food, and foreign travel. Applications must include a detailed budget justification for each requested item.

Applications will be evaluated based on NIH peer review criteria, including the significance of the program in advancing genomics education, the expertise of the program faculty, the effectiveness of proposed mentorship, and the anticipated impact on preparing participants for genomics careers. Additional review criteria include plans for training in research ethics, enhancing inclusivity, and program evaluation. Applications are expected to detail an evaluation framework with measurable objectives to track participant outcomes and program effectiveness over time.

Key dates include an initial submission deadline of November 15, 2023, with subsequent deadlines in January 2024 and January 2025. The expiration date for this NOFO is November 30, 2024. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent 30 days prior to the application due date, detailing the proposed project’s scope and participant institutions. Submission platforms include NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions.