The Office of Research Integrity (ORI), under the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is forecasting the availability of funding for the Ensuring Research Integrity - Program Development and Evaluation Program (PDE). This grant opportunity aims to support the creation and implementation of innovative tools and approaches that promote research integrity and prevent research misconduct. The program encourages the development of interventions based on empirical evidence, including previous ORI-funded research, as well as tools for identifying individuals or laboratories at risk of engaging in unethical research practices.

Projects eligible for funding under this opportunity may include the development of educational resources, the creation of risk assessment tools, and the implementation and testing of intervention programs. Educational initiatives may involve novel online training modules with interactive scenarios, classroom-based learning programs, and evaluations of training effectiveness to uphold ethical standards in science and public health. Additionally, applicants may propose the design and testing of assessment tools to help principal investigators and research administrators evaluate risks related to misconduct in research settings.

Intervention programs supported by the grant may include pilot initiatives for improving data management and record-keeping in laboratories, mentorship and leadership training programs designed to instill ethical research principles, and evaluations of intervention effectiveness. These programs are expected to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and responsible research practices that align with public health priorities.

Funding for this opportunity is expected to total $150,000, with individual awards ranging between $50,000 and $75,000. ORI anticipates making approximately two awards under this funding cycle. The award period is expected to be up to 24 months, divided into 12-month budget periods. Continuation of funding beyond the first budget period is contingent on satisfactory progress, appropriate financial stewardship, and the availability of federal funds. The awarded entity retains copyright ownership of materials developed under this program, but HHS reserves the right to reproduce and distribute these materials for federal purposes.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities, including state and local governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), small businesses, for-profit organizations, public housing authorities, and special district governments. Individuals are also eligible to apply. Certain foreign organizations or foreign components of domestic institutions may be eligible if the proposed project benefits domestic research integrity.

The estimated timeline for this grant includes a forecasted date of August 1, 2024, an estimated posting date of April 11, 2025, an application due date of June 20, 2025, an estimated award date of September 15, 2025, and a project start date of September 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically by 6:00 PM Eastern Time on the due date. For further inquiries, potential applicants can contact Armineh Ghazarian at 240-453-8200 or via email at Armineh.Ghazarian@hhs.gov.