The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), is offering funding under the Research Education Program (R25) to support the development of educational resources aimed at enhancing the biomedical research workforce. The purpose of this funding is to support training modules that address current gaps in biomedical research training and are freely accessible to a broad audience of biomedical researchers.

This funding opportunity is reissued as PAR-24-040 and aims to create training modules designed to improve skills or develop new methods in research, specifically addressing topics identified by NIGMS Notices of Special Interest (NOSIs). The modules should be developed within the first two years of the award, with an optional third year to allow for module evaluation, refinement, and dissemination. These modules must be freely available to the research community at no cost and accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Eligible activities include creating educational materials that are accessible through interactive online formats, videos, case studies, or simulations. The modules should cover timely and relevant topics for the biomedical workforce, including students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and clinical researchers. Proposals must address a gap in existing training resources and demonstrate how the modules will benefit the broader biomedical research community.

The NIGMS anticipates awarding several grants under this program, with applications permitted to request up to $250,000 in direct costs for the entire project, which can span up to three years. All applicants must follow NIH policies, including completing necessary registrations in systems like Grants.gov and SAM. Indirect costs are limited to 8% of modified total direct costs.

The key review criteria include the significance of the proposed training modules, the expertise and effort of the program team, and the likely impact of the modules on the broader research community. Applications will also be evaluated based on innovation in instructional methods, clarity of the educational objectives, and plans for disseminating and sustaining the modules beyond the award period.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profit organizations, and government entities. The application deadline for the first review cycle is January 26, 2024. The NIH encourages early submission to ensure timely review and corrections.