The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has reissued its Research Education Program (R25) Grant under announcement number PAR-24-074. This program aims to support research education activities that align with NIDDK’s mission, specifically focusing on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases, digestive and hepatobiliary conditions, nutritional disorders, obesity, as well as kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases. These activities, targeting the development of a well-trained biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce, are expected to include courses for skills development and research experiences relevant to these fields. The grant does not allow for clinical trials.

To achieve these educational objectives, eligible institutions can propose programs that offer skills-focused courses (such as in clinical research techniques or advanced scientific methodologies) and research experiences across various academic and professional levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees. Specific program activities may support diverse students from groups traditionally underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral sciences, aligning with the NIH’s broader diversity and inclusivity goals. These programs are intended to complement existing educational initiatives, not to replace federally funded training programs like the NRSA.

The R25 program provides annual direct funding capped at $100,000, with a maximum project period of five years. Proposed budgets may include personnel costs for program direction, participant expenses, and program-related materials, but do not support costs associated with full-time participant roles (40 hours per week for a continuous 12-month period). Indirect costs are set at 8% of modified total direct costs. Institutions are expected to demonstrate adequate support, including faculty participation, educational facilities, and other resources necessary to sustain the program's success.

Eligibility extends to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including higher education institutions, government entities, and nonprofits. Notably, foreign institutions and components are ineligible. Applications must include a detailed recruitment plan for diversity, focusing on outreach efforts to attract participants from underrepresented groups. An advisory committee is optional but encouraged for programs requiring additional oversight. For evaluation, applications must outline methods for assessing program impact, including metrics for participant progress, skills acquired, and program sustainability. Renewal applications should include prior evaluation results to demonstrate program impact and modifications made in response to feedback.

Applications are accepted annually by January 30 through 2026, with reviews occurring in July, council reviews in October, and award start dates in December of each respective cycle. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov and tracked through eRA Commons. Pre-submission registrations are required through various government systems (e.g., SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons), which can take several weeks to complete. The application review criteria include significance, innovation, approach, environment, and the investigator's capabilities. Post-award, programs are expected to provide annual performance reports, detailing participant demographics, activities completed, and other outcomes relevant to program goals.

This R25 program is a strategic part of the NIH's commitment to building a highly skilled and diverse research workforce in key health areas aligned with NIDDK's mission. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review all requirements and contact program officials with any specific questions before submission.