The "Innovative Programs to Enhance Research Training (IPERT)" (PAR-24-252) is a grant opportunity from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It aims to support educational programs that provide training to equip participants with essential technical, operational, or professional skills for careers in the biomedical research workforce. The grant uses the R25 funding mechanism, which supports research education projects, but independent clinical trials are not allowed under this program. Funded activities should be accessible to a wide audience within the biomedical research community, covering various career stages from undergraduate students to established professionals, including faculty and staff scientists.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits, small businesses, and other entities. The program also encourages applications from minority-serving institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). While non-U.S. entities cannot apply directly, foreign components are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

The grant aims to support innovative educational activities that address current training gaps in biomedical research. Programs may involve a range of formats, such as workshops, short courses, hands-on training sessions, or online resources designed to build skills in technical areas, research methodologies, data analysis, or other relevant fields. Applicants must outline a robust program leadership structure, a comprehensive participant recruitment strategy, and plans for evaluating and disseminating the program's outcomes. The goal is to create sustainable, impactful training experiences that can be integrated into the broader biomedical research training ecosystem.

The award ceiling for this funding opportunity is $500,000, allowing applicants to propose significant educational activities. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required, enabling more institutions to participate without the need for additional financial resources. Proposals should demonstrate how the activities will address specific training needs within the biomedical research community and how they will enhance the career readiness of participants at various stages.

Applications must be submitted by October 14, 2026, providing an extended period for proposal development. This timeframe allows potential applicants to design comprehensive programs that meet the objectives of the IPERT initiative.