The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is offering funding through the Cancer Research Education Grants Program – Curriculum or Methods Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This program, under the activity code R25, aims to support research education activities that enhance the training and development of the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical workforce, particularly in cancer research. The program seeks proposals that develop innovative curriculum or educational methods in cancer research, covering topics such as cancer causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. These proposals should include novel instructional strategies or computer-based tools and should be adaptable for widespread use within the cancer research education community.

The primary focus of the grant is on developing, testing, and preparing educational curricula or methods over a two-year project period, with a maximum annual budget of $150,000 in direct costs. However, this funding does not cover the actual implementation of the curriculum or methods with a specific participant group; those activities are supported by a separate, companion funding opportunity. Eligible organizations include institutions of higher education (public or private), nonprofits, for-profit entities, and government bodies at local, state, and tribal levels, among others. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, although U.S.-based institutions may collaborate with non-U.S. entities if necessary. Key personnel involved in the application must be established researchers or educators capable of program oversight and mentorship.

Applications must follow NIH’s structured guidelines, including submission through the ASSIST system, institutional system-to-system solutions, or the Grants.gov Workspace. Applicants must also adhere strictly to instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and submit all components required by the NIH, including an evaluation and dissemination plan for developed materials. Review criteria include the significance of the proposed curriculum, innovation, approach, and alignment with NCI’s mission, as well as the expertise and commitment of the project team and the institutional environment.

The review process assesses applications for scientific merit, alignment with the NCI mission, and availability of funds, with a final selection made by an advisory council. Non-responsive applications—such as those targeting students below the undergraduate level or failing to focus on cancer—will not be reviewed. Key due dates start on January 25, 2024, with further submission cycles in May and September each year through 2026, allowing flexibility in timing for interested applicants. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time on the specified due dates, with applicants encouraged to submit early to address any technical issues. Awards are subject to NIH’s grants policy, and indirect costs are reimbursed at a rate of 8% on modified direct costs.

For further assistance, NIH offers guidance on the application process and a system for tracking applications through eRA Commons.