The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is offering the NIMH Mentoring Networks for Mental Health Research Education grant under the R25 Education Projects mechanism. The goal of this grant is to support educational activities that enhance workforce training to meet national biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. The program primarily funds mentoring networks that provide professional development opportunities for graduate/medical students, medical residents, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career investigators. These networks aim to foster career progression towards independent mental health research and are expected to extend beyond existing mentoring efforts within academic institutions.

This funding opportunity focuses on establishing mentoring networks that provide technical expertise, career guidance, leadership development, scholarly writing support, and networking opportunities. These networks can be national or regional in scope and should involve new, substantial collaborations beyond existing programs. The networks must facilitate structured mentoring relationships, allowing participants to remain engaged for at least one year. The intended outcomes include increased involvement in research, employment in mental health research fields, scientific publications, and independent research grant support.

Applications for this grant can request up to $200,000 in direct costs per year, with a maximum project period of five years. The number of awards will depend on NIH appropriations and the quality of submitted applications. Funds can be used for personnel costs, administrative support, and participant expenses related to required program activities, but not for full-time participant support, tuition, or seed research funding. Indirect costs are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, local and state governments, tribal organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and regional organizations. Foreign institutions are not eligible. Applicants must complete all required registrations, including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, prior to submission. Principal Investigators should be established researchers with strong leadership and mentoring experience.

Applications must follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and NIH submission guidelines. Key submission dates include May 25, 2024, and May 25, 2025, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant institution. Letters of intent are encouraged at least 30 days before submission. Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit by the NIMH and undergo peer and advisory council evaluations. Funding decisions will be based on merit, available funds, and alignment with NIMH priorities.

For inquiries, applicants may contact Dr. Nick Gaiano (peer review), Heather Weiss (grants management), or NIH’s general grant information service. The program aims to build a strong network of researchers prepared to address critical mental health challenges through innovative mentorship and professional development.