Research Education Program – Research Experiences (Parent R25 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions seeking to develop educational programs that prepare underrepresented individuals for research careers in biomedical sciences. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, academic institutions, and other qualified research organizations with established research infrastructure. The program funds diverse activities: undergraduate research experiences, postbac programs, bridge programs, and K-12 science education pipelines. Geographic scope is nationwide, with no state restrictions.
Key dates
- Jun 8, 2026 Applications open
- Apr 1, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 1, 2027 Project start
- May 5, 2029 Application deadline in 1049 days
Program description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Education Program supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of the Research Education program is to support educational activities that complement and/or enhance training of a workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs; help recruit individuals with specific specialty or disciplinary backgrounds to research careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences; and foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral and clinical research and its implications. To accomplish this far-reaching goal, this opportunity will support creative educational activities with an emphasis on Research Experiences. Programs focused on research experiences may incorporate elements such as mentoring, courses, curriculum and methods development, outreach, and career development to prepare participants for careers that will have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the Nation. Grant authorities that allow NIH to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- R&R Application (SF-424)
- Project Narrative (Research Education Narrative)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
- Letters of Support from institutional partners and mentors
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Recruitment and Retention Plan
- Evaluation Plan
- Research Training Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Biomedical Research Workforce (DBRW)
- 📧 NIHTrain@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$54,912,096
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
-
$52,029,316
-
$52,026,661
-
$50,897,104
-
$49,349,731
Top States by Funding
- ME 4 awards $139.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
- RI 4 awards $126.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for R25 Research Education grants?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, colleges, universities, and research institutions are typically eligible. Consortium arrangements involving schools serving underrepresented populations often strengthen competitiveness.
What activities does this program fund?
R25 supports research education experiences including summer research programs, mentorship initiatives, career preparation workshops, and pipeline development. Activities must support underrepresented groups in biomedical research.
What's a typical R25 budget range?
R25 grants typically range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually, though specific amounts vary. Budgets support staff, trainee stipends, materials, and travel.
How competitive is this program?
R25 is moderately competitive. Success requires strong mentorship plans, clear recruitment strategies for underrepresented populations, and documented institutional commitment.
When are applications due?
NIH typically uses rolling deadlines published on Grants.gov. Check NIH.gov for current R25 deadlines and submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight institutional partnerships with schools, community colleges, and organizations serving underrepresented groups in STEM.
- Include detailed mentorship plans with named senior mentors and clear expectations for trainee development.
- Document your track record recruiting and retaining students from targeted underrepresented populations.
- Address how your program builds skills for research independence, not just provides summer experiences.
- Connect outcomes (publications, graduate school admission, career placement) to program activities with measurable metrics.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when mentorship plans lack specificity or senior mentors appear uninvested in trainee development. Weak recruitment strategies without partnerships show insufficient access to underrepresented populations. Proposals without clear learning outcomes or evaluation plans cannot demonstrate program impact.
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