Part 1. Overview Information

Key Dates

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide, except where instructed to do otherwise (in this NOFO or in a Notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts).

Conformance to all requirements (both in the How to Apply - Application Guide and the NOFO) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV. When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the How to Apply - Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions.

Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review.

There are several options available to submit your application through Grants.gov to NIH and Department of Health and Human Services partners. You must use one of these submission options to access the application forms for this opportunity.

1. Use the NIH ASSIST system to prepare, submit and track your application online.
2. Use an institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution to prepare and submit your application to Grants.gov and eRA Commons to track your application. Check with your institutional officials regarding availability.
   
   
3. Use Grants.gov Workspace to prepare and submit your application and eRA Commons to track your application.



Table of Contents
Part 1. Overview Information
Key Dates
Part 2. Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
Section II. Award Information
Other Award Budget Information
Section III. Eligibility Information
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
Section V. Application Review Information
Section VI. Award Administration Information
Section VII. Agency Contacts
Section VIII. Other Information

Part 2. Full Text of Announcement

Section I. Funding Opportunity Description

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research educational activities that complement other formal training programs in the mission areas of the NIH Institutes and Centers. 

The overarching goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, to pursue further studies or careers in research.

To accomplish this goal, this NOFO will support research educational programs that focus on hands-on research experiences in the visual sciences to prepare recent baccalaureates from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepesented groups, to be competitive for research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or O.D./Ph.D.). NEI encourages applications from highly research-intensive institutions (i.e., those with an average of NIH funding greater than or equal to $20 million total costs per year over the last three fiscal years) that have a significant number of faculty mentors with active and extramurally funded research programs (e.g., R01, R35, or equivalent awards) and robust research education environments and that have strong biomedical Ph.D. degree programs in NEI mission areas.  In addition to encouraging participants to pursue further studies in biomedical research, NEI also seeks to recruit individuals without prior opportunities to participate in research in vision science.

Need for Program

NEI is committed to the development of a diverse biomedical research workforce. NEI aims to promote diversity and encourage the participation of individuals from underrepresented groups in all of its training and research programs. Diversity among the biomedical research workforce is vital to our scientific enterprise and the NIH research mission. 

A key requirement of graduate admissions, and potential barrier for some students, is prior research experience. Students at Research intensive (R1) universities with strong programs in their desired field, and who have the time and resources to dedicate to laboratory research, are often at an advantage when applying to graduate programs. Undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds, however, may not have the resources needed to dedicate to a full-time laboratory position, even if at an R1 university with research opportunities. Students at smaller colleges may not have the research infrastructure necessary to receive a meaningful research experience, and those schools may not offer research opportunities in a desired field. As part of NEI's commitment to supporting a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible biomedical research enterprise, this program is intended to provide meaningful research opportunities to all potential students, regardless of background.

Program Objective

The NEI Postbaccalaureate Opportunities in Vision Science (POVS) program provides institutions with resources to provide research experiences  to post baccalaureate participants from diverse backgrounds including, for example, those who are from underrepresented groups and/or have not had prior research experience. It is expected that upon completion of a one to two-year research education program, participants will be able to successfully transition into research-focused doctoral degree programs in biomedical fields relevant to the NEI mission. This NOFO is intended to enable the community to develop and implement evidence-informed approaches to biomedical research education and mentoring to encourage the participation of individuals from all backgrounds in the biomedical research workforce. Funded programs are expected to provide activities that will build a strong cohort of research-oriented individuals while enhancing the scientific identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging among the cohort members in the biomedical research community. Programmatic activities include, but are not limited to, providing authentic research experiences, and mentoring - activities proven to increase persistence in STEM fields. Program activities should build upon the strengths and assets of the participants and should not reflect deficit-models (i.e., those that focus primarily on remediation of perceived weaknesses) of career development.

As postbaccalaureate scientists, the participants will be involved in independent research projects where they will learn to develop and answer scientific questions, allowing them to experience the fulfillment of discovery as scientists. The research environment should be inclusive, supportive and safe, and should include opportunities for the participants to interact with doctoral student peers, postdoctoral researchers, and other investigators who could contribute to their growth and will allow them to thrive in rigorous doctoral programs. Academic preparations may include courses, workshops, seminars, supplemental instruction, or lectures that will enhance the technical, operational and professional skills of the participants. The courses taken should be appropriate to the requirements for admission to, and successful completion of rigorous research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs.

Consistent with existing NEI practices and applicable law, funded programs may not use the race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) of a program candidate, participant, or faculty member as an eligibility or selection criteria.  NEI does not use the race, ethnicity, or sex of program candidates, participants, or faculty in the application review process or funding decisions.  At the same time, funded programs are expected to implement a Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity and to promote inclusive, safe, and supportive research environments. Specifically, funded programs should have institutional and departmental environments where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and feel integrated into and supported by the biomedical community. Programs are also expected to implement plans to enhance trainee retention, i.e., to sustain the scientific interests and participation of trainees from all backgrounds. Additionally, programs should include plans for the safety of participants that encompass (1) environments free from harassment and intimidation, in which everyone participating is treated in a respectful and supportive manner, (2) laboratory and clinical settings where individuals exercise the highest standards of practice for chemical, biological and physical safety, and (3) practices at the institutional leadership and research community levels that demonstrate core values and behaviors to emphasize safety over competing goals.

Programobjectives (i.e., specific, measurable, and obtainable outcomes the program intends to achieve), and mentoring activities should be grounded in the literature and from evaluations of existing relevant programs. Program objectives must align with the overarching goal of POVS and should include, but not be limited to, anticipated program completion rates, percentage of participants who will complete the program in one or two years, and the anticipated rate of transitioning into research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs. Funded programs are expected to provide evidence of accomplishing the objectives in annual progress reports, to make training and career outcomes publicly available, and to disseminate successful training practices to the broader community.

POVS programs will be required to design Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that build upon the participant’s experience, combined with research projects mentored by faculty members with active extramurally funded research programs. The development plans will typically be designed within the context of a one or two-year research education program to provide the necessary skills to prepare the participants to transition into and complete research-focused biomedical higher degree programs.

Participants may be appointed for up to two years, and it is expected that most POVS participants will transition to a research-focused biomedical doctoral degree or dual-degree program following the end of their postbaccalaureate experience.  This program will not support individuals earning master's degrees or individuals who have previously earned a graduate or professional degree.

Research education programs may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, but the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those training and education programs currently receiving Federal support. R25 programs may augment institutional research training programs (e.g., T32, T90) but cannot be used to replace or circumvent Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) programs.

This NOFO does not allow appointed participants to lead an independent clinical trial but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. NIH strongly supports training towards a career in clinically relevant research and so gaining experience in clinical trials under the guidance of a mentor or co-mentor is permitted.

Non-Responsive Applications

Non-responsive applications would include proposals that do not address vision-related research, or which describe a program that do not address the POVS program objectives stated above.  Examples include:

* Programs offering short term research opportunities (e.g., summer research programs)

* Programs that only recruit from the home institution.

* Programs that do not require a minimum of 75% time dedicated to research.

* Propose support for students enrolled in a Master's degree program.

See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Section II. Award Information

Other Award Budget Information

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO.

Section III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

Higher Education Institutions

• Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
• Private Institutions of Higher Education

The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:

• Hispanic-serving Institutions
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
• Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
• Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)

Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)

For-Profit Organizations

• Small Businesses
• For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)

Local Governments

• State Governments
• County Governments
• City or Township Governments
• Special District Governments
• Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
• Indian/Native American Tribal
• Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)

Federal Governments

• U.S. Territory or Possession

Other

• Independent School Districts
• Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
• Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
• Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
• Regional Organizations

NEI  encourages applications from highly research-intensive institutions (i.e., those with an average of NIH funding greater than or equal to $7.5 million total costs per year over the last three fiscal years) that have a significant number of faculty mentors with active and extramurally funded research programs (e.g., R01 or equivalent awards) and robust research education environments, and that have biomedical doctoral degree programs in NEI mission areas. 

The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program. Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program.

Institutions with existing Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) institutional training grants (e.g., T32) or other Federally funded training programs may apply for a research education grant provided that the proposed educational experiences are distinct from those training programs receiving federal support. In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed research education program will complement ongoing research training occurring at the applicant institution.

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. 

Applicant Organizations

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the How to Apply - Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible. Failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission, please reference NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.9.2 Electronically Submitted Applications for additional information.

• System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code.
• NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code – Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM.
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – A UEI is issued as part of the SAM.gov registration process. The same UEI must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application.
• eRA Commons - Once the unique organization identifier is established, organizations can register with eRA Commons in tandem with completing their Grants.gov registration; all registrations must be in place by time of submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application.
• Grants.gov – Applicants must have an active SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registration.

Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s))

All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account.  PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with their organization to develop an application for support. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are always encouraged to apply for NIH support. See, Reminder: Notice of NIH's Encouragement of Applications Supporting Individuals from Underrepresented Ethnic and Racial Groups as well as Individuals with Disabilities, NOT-OD-22-019. 

For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the How to Apply - Application Guide.

The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

Multiple PDs/PIs are allowed. Additional PD(s)/PI(s), including individuals with experience in the science of education, relevant social science disciplines, program evaluation, mentoring, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) work, or university administration may be included to achieve the program goals. Any of the PD(s)/PI(s) may serve as the contact PD/PI. The contact PD/PI is expected to have a full-time appointment at the applicant institution unless extremely well-justified. If the full-time status of the contact PD/PI changes after the award, the institution must obtain prior program approval to appoint a new PD/PI or request a deviation from the full-time rule. 

 

2. Cost Sharing

This NOFO does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 1.2 Definition of Terms.

3. Additional Information on Eligibility

Number of Applications

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct.

NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time per NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.7.4 Submission of Resubmission Application. This means that the NIH will not accept:

• A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application.
• A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application.
• An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review. (see NIH Grants Policy Statement 2.3.9.4 Similar, Essentially Identical, or Identical Applications)

Only one application per institution (normally identified by having a Unique Entity Identifer or NIH IPF number) is allowed.

Program Faculty

Faculty should come from a wide variety of disciplines relevant to the NEI mission. Mentors must be committed to continue their involvement throughout the total period of the mentee’s participation in this program. The selected faculty should be trained researchers in the biomedical sciences as demonstrated by recent publications and research support. When building a team of mentors, programs should include faculty who are committed to training, mentoring, fostering diversity, and providing supportive and inclusive research environments. Programs are encouraged to build a diverse team of preceptors/mentors that includes, for example, faculty from underrepresented groups, women, and faculty at different career stages (i.e., early stage as well as senior faculty). 

Participants

The applicant institution will select the POVS participants who will receive salary support. It is the responsibility of the institution to establish the qualifications of the participants before they are supported by the program.

In order to receive salary support, the participant must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment. Additionally, participants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university awarded no more than 36 months prior to applying to a POVS, and must not be currently enrolled in a degree program. Parental, medical, or other well-justified leave for personal or family situations is not included in the 3-year eligibility limit, nor is national service (e.g., Peace Corps, or service in the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves). All individuals selected as participants should intend to apply to research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or O.D./Ph.D.) during or immediately following completion of the research education program.

Section IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Requesting an Application Package

The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution. Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants.gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this NOFO. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide, except where instructed in this Notice of Funding Opportunity to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the How to Apply - Application Guide is required and strictly enforced. Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions will not be reviewed.

Letter of Intent

Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.

By the date listed in Part 1. Overview Information, prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:

• Descriptive title of proposed activity
• Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the PD(s)/PI(s)
• Names of other key personnel
• Participating institution(s)
• Number and title of this funding opportunity

The letter of intent should be sent to:

Brian Hoshaw, PhD
Telephone: 301-520-6806
Email: [email protected]

All page limitations described in the How to Apply - Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

The following section supplements the instructions found in the How to Apply - Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this NOFO.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide with the following additional modifications:

Facilities & Other Resources. Describe the educational environment, including the facilities, laboratories, participating departments, computer services, and any other resources to be used in the development and implementation of the proposed program. List all thematically related sources of support for research training and education following the format for Current and Pending Support. Appropriate institutional commitment should include the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned research education program.

Other Attachments.

Advisory Committee Plan (1 page maximum) An Advisory Committee is not a required component of a Research Education program.  However, if an Advisory Committee is intended, provide a plan for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to monitor progress of the research education program. The composition, roles, responsibilities, and desired expertise of committee members, frequency of committee meetings, and other relevant information should be included. Describe how the Advisory Committee will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program. Proposed Advisory Committee members should not be named in the application nor be invited to participate until after an appilcation is selected for funding.  Please name your file Advisory_Committee.pdf.

Program Faculty Biosketches: Biosketches of Program Faculty must be included. The personal statement should describe a commitment to scientific rigor, training, mentoring, as well as promoting scientific environments that are inclusive, safe, and supportive for researchers from all backgrounds. Please upload all of the biosketches as a single pdf and name your file Program Faculty Biosketches.pdf.

Applications lacking a "Program Faculty Biosketches" attachment will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Outcomes Data Collection and Storage Plan (2-page maximum): Funded programs are expected to track participants for a minimum of 15 years beyond participation in the program. The applicant must provide a plan to track the outcomes for all supported participants. Programs are encouraged to make the aggregate outcome data available on the institution's website. If the applicant intends to make the data available, describe how the aggregate data will be de-identified before public posting. The applicant must include a strategy to ensure the secure storage and preservation of program data and outcomes. Describe how the data will be centralized, safeguarded, and retrievable during leadership changes. Please name the file Data_Collection_Storage_Plan.pdf .

Applications lacking an "Outcomes Data Collection and Storage Plan" attachment will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Research Support: Research Support of Participating Faculty Members, is a required attachment. Please name your file "Research Support.pdf".

Applications lacking the "Research Support" attachment will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

The filename provided for each “Other Attachment” will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide with the following additional modifications:

• Include all personnel other than the PD(s)/PI(s) in the Other Personnel section, including clerical and administrative staff.

• Use the section on Participant/Trainee Support Costs to include all allowable categories of funds requested to support participants in the program.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions:

Research Strategy

Research Strategy section must be used to upload the Research Education Program Plan, which must include the following components described below:

• Proposed Research Education Program
• Program Director/Principal Investigator
• Program Faculty
• Program Participants
• Institutional Environment and Commitment
• Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity
• Training Plan in Methods to Enhance Reproduciblity
• Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research
• Evaluation Plan
• Dissemination Plan

Research Education Program Plan

Proposed Research Education Program. While the proposed research education program may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those research training and research education programs currently receiving federal support. When research training programs are on-going in the same department, the applicant organization should clearly distinguish between the activities in the proposed research education program and the research training supported by the training program. As a reminder, applicants may choose to address one or more of the activities listed in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description.

The plan should describe an integrated set of activities that will develop a diverse pool of well-trained postbaccalaureate scientists who have the technical, operational and professional skills required to conduct research in an ethically responsible and rigorous manner, and to transition into and succeed in rigorous biomedical doctoral degree programs as described in the Program Objective. It is anticipated that several departments representing multiple biomedical disciplines relevant to the NEI mission will be involved in the institutional POVS. Hence, the Proposed Research Education Program section of the POVS application should be organized to reflect the institutional scope of the proposed program.

Include the following items in this section:

Current Status of the Graduate Biomedical Science Academic Programs: Describe the size of the graduate student body (Ph.D. level) in biomedically relevant disciplines. Provide institutional data on Ph.D. student enrollment from the last five years. Provide the number of Ph.D. students from the participating departments or programs, and their graduation rates for the last 5 years. Present this data in table format within the text.

Program Rationale, Mission, Objectives, and Overall Research Education Plan: Applications must include the rationale for the proposed POVS program as well as the feasibility of success in the context of the institutional setting. Specifically, the application should describe the following:

• The rationale for the proposed program. The application should describe the current institutional efforts to create research environments that are inclusive, safe, and supportive for researchers from all backgrounds, and how the POVS program will enhance, but not duplicate, these efforts.
• The program mission (i.e., broad statement of purpose of the program) and objectives (i.e., specific measurable outcomes the program intends to achieve). Objectives should include, but not be limited to, anticipated program completion rates, percentage of participants who will complete the program in one or two years, and the anticipated rate of transitioning into research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs.
• How the research experiences and courses for skills development will accomplish the specific program mission and objectives. Explain how these research education activities are designed to develop the technical, operational, and professional skills of participants (applications must include the Required Research Education Activities appendix to provide material for required activities that all POVS participants will complete and may include the Elective Activities appendix for up to four additional activities).
• How the activities will employ evidence to inform approaches to postbaccalaureate participant learning, critical thinking, mentorship, inclusion, and professional development.
• Representative examples of research education programs for individual participants. Examples may include laboratory experiences, courses for skills development, and other activities, such as seminars, journal clubs, mini-committee meetings, etc. Describe how each participant's program will be guided, and how the participant's performance will be monitored and evaluated. Discuss the anticipated time required to complete the research education program, and how a need for a second year in the research education program will be assessed.
• The rationale and strategies used for selecting participants and a clear description of why the participants selected need additional preparation prior to applying to and attending research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs.
• The activities that will build a strong cohort of research-oriented postbaccalaureate participants while enhancing the science identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging among the cohort members.
• The strategy that will be used to develop the appropriate IDP for each participant in order to leverage their unique assets and address their specific points of development to enhance their ability to transition into and successfully complete a research-focused biomedical doctoral degree program.

Program Oversight: The application should include the planned strategy and administrative structure to oversee and monitor the program and to ensure appropriate participant progress. The application should describe the following:

• How the program will ensure that participating faculty employ the highest standards of laboratory safety and scientific rigor, and impart those standards to program participants;
• How the program will ensure that participating faculty reinforce and augment the curricular material on responsible conduct of research and methods for enhancing reproducibility;
• The mechanism for matching participants with the appropriate participating faculty (e.g., mini-rotations, faculty forums, and interviews);
• How the program will ensure that participating faculty engage in activities that promote participant career development (including but not limited to the utilization of IDPs); and
• A mechanism to monitor mentoring, including oversight of the effectiveness of the participant/faculty match, and a plan for removing faculty displaying unacceptable mentorship qualities from the research education program (the application may include the appendix labeled Conflict Resolution Protocols to provide details of the plan).

If a program coordinator or administrator position is planned to enhance oversight, a description of the person's administrative capabilities that are essential to coordinate the program must be included in the application.

Program Director/Principal Investigator. Describe arrangements for administration of the program.  Provide evidence that the Program Director/Principal Investigator is actively engaged in research and/or teaching in an area related to the mission of NIH, and can organize, administer, monitor, and evaluate the research education program. For programs proposing multiple PDs/PIs, describe the complementary and integrated expertise of the PDs/PIs, their leadership approach, and governance appropriate for the planned project.

The application should describe how the Research Education Program PD(s)/PI(s) will promote the success of the participants and research education program. NEI encourages multiple PD(s)/PI(s) (MPI), particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance the research education program as described in the Eligible Individuals section above. The application should expand on the information in the biosketch(es) to address how the PD/PI or PD/PI team has:

• The administrative and training experience and skills to provide strong leadership, direction, management, and administration of the proposed research education program;
• The time to commit sufficient effort to ensure the program’s success given other professional obligations (the application should indicate the program director’s effort in person months in the proposed program);
• At least one member who has scientific expertise in the biomedical sciences and who has a record of using rigorous and transparent methods in experimental design, data collection, analysis and reporting;
• A demonstrated commitment to the development of early career biomedical researchers, leading recruitment efforts to enhance diversity, and fostering inclusive research environments. As with all participating faculty, the PD(s)/PI(s) should have received training on how to effectively mentor participants from diverse  backgrounds, including individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences (Notice of NIH's Interest in Diversity).

The application must also describe the administrative structure and leadership succession plan for critical positions (e.g., PD(s)/PI(s)).

Program Faculty. Programs are encouraged to recruit researchers from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and women are encouraged to be recruited  as prospective program faculty. 

The application should describe how the participating faculty will promote the success of the participants and research education program. The application should describe how the participating faculty are trained to ensure the use of evidence-informed approaches to teaching, training, and mentoring practices that promote the development of individuals regardless of their background. The application should address how the participating faculty:

• Have sufficient time to commit to the research education program given their other professional obligations;
• Receive training in the use of effective, evidence-informed mentoring and teaching practices;
• Cooperate, interact, and collaborate (which can include joint sponsorship of participants' research);
• Promote the development of program participant skills in approaches to rigorous experimental design, methods of data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and reporting;
• Provide opportunities for program participants to initiate, conduct, interpret, and present rigorous, reproducible, and responsible biomedical research with increasing self-direction;
• Demonstrate a commitment to effective mentoring and to promoting inclusive, safe, and supportive scientific and training environments; and
• Are evaluated as mentors and teachers.

Program Participants. Applications must describe the intended participants and the eligibility criteria and/or specific educational background characteristics that are essential for participation in the proposed research education program. NEI strongly encourages applicants to recruit a national cohort that includes individuals who have not had significant previous opportunities to conduct vision-related research including those from smaller colleges and universities without significant research funding and resources. Provide the criteria and strategy for POVS participant selection. Please note that funded programs may not use a candidate’s race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) as an eligibility or selection criteria.  Programs are encouraged to consult with their General Counsel to ensure all applicable laws and regulations are being followed in program design and implementation.

Program candidates should have the potential to strongly benefit from, and with proper support, succeed in the program and transition into rigorous research-oriented biomedical doctoral degree programs. Applications should explain why participants will strongly benefit from being in the POVS program rather than going directly to doctoral-degree granting programs. Strategies for ensuring that participants have sufficient commitment to careers in biomedical research should be described.

Institutional Environment and Commitment. Describe any additional aspects of the Institutional Environment and Commitment not addressed under “Facilities & Other Resources” or the required “Institutional Commitment Letter of Support,” described below. Appropriate institutional commitment should include the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned research education program. This section should not duplicate information provided elsewhere.

Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity (NOT-OD-20-031):

Applicants are required to provide a Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity. For purposes of this requirement, “recruitment” refers to outreach efforts to encourage individuals to apply for the program.  Recruitment does not refer to hiring or appointing an individual.  The application should include outreach strategies and activities designed to recruit prospective candidates from underrepresented groups, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, as well as students who have not had previous opportunities to conduct vision-related research. Describe the specific efforts to be undertaken by the training program and how these might coordinate with recruitment efforts of the institution. Centralized institutional efforts alone will not satisfy the requirement to recruit individuals from underrepresented groups. Participating faculty are expected to be actively involved in recruitment efforts.

Applications lacking a recruitment plan will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility:

Applicants are required to provide a Plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility. The plan must describe how participants will be instructed in principles important for enhancing research reproducibility including, at a minimum, critical evaluation of foundational research underlying a project, rigorous experimental design and data interpretation, consideration of relevant biological variables such as sex, authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, data and material sharing, record keeping, and transparency in reporting. Applicants are encouraged to consult the NIH Clearinghouse for Training Modules to Enhance Data Reproducibility and other resources when developing the plans.

Applications lacking a plan for instruction in methods for enhancing reproducibility will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research. All applications must include a plan to fulfill NIH requirements for instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). The plan must address the five, required instructional components outlined in the NIH policy: 1) Format - the required format of instruction, i.e., face-to-face lectures, coursework, and/or real-time discussion groups (a plan with only on-line instruction is not acceptable); 2) Subject Matter - the breadth of subject matter, e.g., conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, research ethics; 3) Faculty Participation - the role of the program faculty in the instruction; 4) Duration of Instruction - the number of contact hours of instruction, taking into consideration the duration of the program; and 5) Frequency of Instruction – instruction must occur during each career stage and at least once every four years. See also NOT-OD-10-019 and NOT-OD-22-055. The plan should be appropriate and reasonable for the nature and duration of the proposed program. Renewal (Type 2) applications must, in addition, describe any changes in formal instruction over the past project period and plans to address any weaknesses in the current instruction plan. All participating faculty who served as course directors, speakers, lecturers, and/or discussion leaders during the past project period must be named in the application.

Applications lacking a plan for instruction in responsible conduct of research will not be reviewed.

Evaluation Plan. NEI-funded research education programs must conduct ongoing evaluations to monitor the success of the programmatic and mentoring activities, as well as the outcomes of its participants. The application should:

• Describe the evaluation or assessment process to determine whether the overall program is effective in meeting its mission and objectives, and whether the scientific research climate is inclusive, safe, and supportive of participant development (the application may include the "Evaluation and Assessment Instruments" appendix to provide blank survey instruments, rubrics or forms);
• Detail the plans for being responsive to internal and external outcomes, analyses, critiques, surveys and evaluations.

Applications lacking an evaluation plan will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Dissemination Plan. A specific plan must be provided to disseminate nationally any findings resulting from or materials developed under the auspices of the research education program, e.g., sharing course curricula and related materials via web postings, presentations at scientific meetings, workshops.

Letters of Support

The application must include the following two letters of support.

1. Institutional Support Letter (2-page maximum): The application must include a signed letter on institutional letterhead from a President, Provost, Dean, or similar key institutional leader that describes the activities and resources provided by the institution that will ensure the success of the planned research education program and its participants. As applicable, the letter should address how the institution:

• Supports core facilities and technology resources that can be used to enhance the research education program;
• Ensures that the research and clinical facilities are accessible to participants with disabilities;
• Promotes a positive, supportive and inclusive research, clinical and training environment for individuals from all backgrounds and at all levels (trainees, staff, faculty, and leadership);
• Ensures that proper policies, procedures, and oversight are in place to prevent discriminatory harassment and other discriminatory practices and to appropriately respond to allegations of such discriminatory practices, including providing any required notifications to NIH (e.g., requesting a change of PD/PI status; see NOT-OD-19-029);

Applications lacking the Institutional Support Letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

2. Institutional Eligibility Letter. (1-page maximum): The Authorized Organization Representative/Business Official or similar official with institution-wide responsibility must certify that all the components of the institution under the applicant Unique Entity Identifier together have received support from the NIH greater than or equal to an average of $7.5 million per year (in both direct and F&A/indirect costs) in the past 3 fiscal years, as described in Section III, "Eligible Organizations".

Applications lacking the Institutional Eligibility Letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Other Letters of Support. Additional letters of support (such as those from partner institutions or organizations) are permitted; however, these letters may not contain any information required in the Institutional Support Letter.

Resource Sharing Plan
Note: Effective for due dates on or after January 25, 2023, a Data Management and Sharing Plan is not applicable for this NOFO.

Individuals are required to comply with the instructions for the Resource Sharing Plans as provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide, with the following modification:

When relevant, applications are expected to include a software dissemination plan if support for development, maintenance, or enhancement of software is requested in the application. There is no prescribed single license for software produced. However, the software dissemination plan should address, as appropriate, the following goals:

• Software source code should be freely available to biomedical researchers and educators in the non-profit sector, such as institutions of education, research institutions, and government laboratories. Users should be permitted to modify the code and share their modifications with others.
• The terms of software availability should permit the commercialization of enhanced or customized versions of the software, or incorporation of the software or pieces of it into other software packages.
• To preserve utility to the community, the software should be transferable such that another individual or team can continue development in the event that the original investigators are unwilling or unable to do so.

Appendix

Only limited Appendix materials are allowed. Follow the instructions for the Appendix as described in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

The Appendix is meant to provide additional details to the following topics, but not meant to substitute for clear descriptions in the body of the application. Do not include items other than the allowable materials described below, as doing so will result in administrative withdrawal of the application. A summary sheet listing all the items included in the Appendix may be included in the first page of the Appendix attachment.

The following are allowable Appendix materials:

• Elective Activities (2 pages maximum per activity): The application may include summary content for up to four additional elective courses, workshops, and/or training activities (e.g., streamlined syllabi with topics, timelines, activities, credits, etc.; or summaries for courses, mentor training materials, outlines of professional development workshops, career exploration opportunities, or skills development activities).
• Evaluation and Assessment Instruments: The application may include blank surveys, rubrics, and/or forms used to (a) document and monitor participant progress and (b) determine whether the research education environment is effective, inclusive, safe, and supportive.
• Conflict Resolution Protocols (3-page maximum total): The application may include detailed protocols for addressing problems with program participant and faculty matches, removal of faculty from the research education program with unacceptable training/mentoring skills and for conflict resolutions for multi PD(s)/PI(s) and mentor/mentee relationships.

PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information

When involving human subjects research, clinical research, and/or NIH-defined clinical trials (and when applicable, clinical trials research experience) follow all instructions for the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form in the How to Apply - Application Guide, with the following additional instructions:

If you answered “Yes” to the question “Are Human Subjects Involved?” on the R&R Other Project Information form, you must include at least one human subjects study record using the Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form or Delayed Onset Study record.

Study Record: PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed.

Delayed Onset Study

Note: Delayed onset does NOT apply to a study that can be described but will not start immediately (i.e., delayed start). All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed.

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed.

3. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

See Part 2. Section III.1 for information regarding the requirement for obtaining a unique entity identifier and for completing and maintaining active registrations in System for Award Management (SAM), NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code (if applicable), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov

4. Submission Dates and Times

Part I. contains information about Key Dates and times. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications before the due date to ensure they have time to make any application corrections that might be necessary for successful submission. When a submission date falls on a weekend or Federal holiday, the application deadline is automatically extended to the next business day.

Organizations must submit applications to Grants.gov (the online portal to find and apply for grants across all Federal agencies). Applicants must then complete the submission process by tracking the status of the application in the eRA Commons, NIH’s electronic system for grants administration. NIH and Grants.gov systems check the application against many of the application instructions upon submission. Errors must be corrected and a changed/corrected application must be submitted to Grants.gov on or before the application due date and time. If a Changed/Corrected application is submitted after the deadline, the application will be considered late. Applications that miss the due date and time are subjected to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.3.9.2 Electronically Submitted Applications.

Applicants are responsible for viewing their application before the due date in the eRA Commons to ensure accurate and successful submission.

Information on the submission process and a definition of on-time submission are provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

5. Intergovernmental Review (E.O. 12372)

This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.

6. Funding Restrictions

All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Pre-award costs are allowable only as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 7.9.1 Selected Items of Cost.

7. Other Submission Requirements and Information

Applications must be submitted electronically following the instructions described in the How to Apply - Application Guide. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Applicants must complete all required registrations before the application due date. Section III. Eligibility Information contains information about registration.

For assistance with your electronic application or for more information on the electronic submission process, visit How to Apply – Application Guide. If you encounter a system issue beyond your control that threatens your ability to complete the submission process on-time, you must follow the Dealing with System Issues guidance. For assistance with application submission, contact the Application Submission Contacts in Section VII.

Important reminders:

All PD(s)/PI(s) must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile form. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH.

The applicant organization must ensure that the unique entity identifier provided on the application is the same identifier used in the organization’s profile in the eRA Commons and for the System for Award Management. Additional information may be found in the How to Apply - Application Guide.

See more tips for avoiding common errors.

Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness and compliance with application instructions by the Center for Scientific Review and responsiveness by NEI.  Applications that are incomplete, non-compliant and/or nonresponsive will not be reviewed.

Recipients or subrecipients must submit any information related to violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. See Mandatory Disclosures, 2 CFR 200.113 and NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 4.1.35.

Send written disclosures to the NIH Chief Grants Management Officer listed on the Notice of Award for the IC that funded the award and to the HHS Office of Inspector Grant Self Disclosure Program at [email protected]. 

Applicants are required to follow the instructions for post-submission materials, as described in the policy.

Section V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process. Applications submitted to the NIH in support of the NIH mission are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.

For this particular NOFO, note the following:

The goal of this R25 program is to support educational activities that prepare postbaccalaureates from diverse backgrounds to transition into and complete rigorous, research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or O.D./Ph.D.).

Reviewers will provide an overall impact score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to strongly advance research education by fulfilling the goal of this research education program, in consideration of the following review criteria and additional review criteria, as applicable for the project proposed.

Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific merit and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact.

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will evaluate the following additional items while determining scientific and technical merit, and in providing an overall impact score, but will not give separate scores for these items.

As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items, and should not consider them in providing an overall impact score.

2. Review and Selection Process 

Applications will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by (an) appropriate Scientific Review Group(s), in accordance with NIH peer review policies and practices, using the stated review criteria. Assignment to a Scientific Review Group will be shown in the eRA Commons.

As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will receive a written critique.

Applications may undergo a selection process in which only those applications deemed to have the highest scientific and technical merit (generally the top half of applications under review) will be discussed and assigned an overall impact score.

Applications will be assigned on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines to the appropriate NIH Institute or Center. Applications will compete for available funds with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this NOFO. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Council of the participating Institute/Centers. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

• Scientific and technical merit of the proposed project as determined by scientific peer review.
• Availability of funds.
• Relevance of the proposed project to program priorities.

If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.5.1. Just-in-Time Procedures. This request is not a Notice of Award nor should it be construed to be an indicator of possible funding.

Prior to making an award, NIH reviews an applicant’s federal award history in SAM.gov to ensure sound business practices. An applicant can review and comment on any information in the Responsibility/Qualification records available in SAM.gov.  NIH will consider any comments by the applicant in the Responsibility/Qualification records in SAM.gov to ascertain the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and performance record of managing Federal awards per 2 CFR Part 200.206 “Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.”  This provision will apply to all NIH grants and cooperative agreements except fellowships.

3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the eRA Commons. Refer to Part 1 for dates for peer review, advisory council review, and earliest start date.

Information regarding the disposition of applications is available in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2.4.4 Disposition of Applications.

Section VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

A Notice of Award (NoA) is the official authorizing document notifying the applicant that an award has been made and that funds may be requested from the designated HHS payment system or office. The NoA is signed by the Grants Management Officer and emailed to the recipient’s business official.

In accepting the award, the recipient agrees that any activities under the award are subject to all provisions currently in effect or implemented during the period of the award, other Department regulations and policies in effect at the time of the award, and applicable statutory provisions. 

Recipients must comply with any funding restrictions described in Section IV.6. Funding Restrictions. Any pre-award costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the applicant's own risk.  For more information on the Notice of Award, please refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 5. The Notice of Award and NIH Grants & Funding website, see Award Process.

Institutional Review Board or Independent Ethics Committee Approval: Recipient institutions must ensure that protocols are reviewed by their IRB or IEC. To help ensure the safety of participants enrolled in NIH-funded studies, the recipient must provide NIH copies of documents related to all major changes in the status of ongoing protocols.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The following Federal wide and HHS-specific policy requirements apply to awards funded through NIH: 

• The rules listed at 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
• All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the terms and conditions in the Notice of Award (NoA). The NoA includes the requirements of this NOFO. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General and Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Recipients, and Activities.  
• If a recipient receives an award, the recipient must follow all applicable nondiscrimination laws. The recipient agrees to this when registering in SAM.gov. The recipient must also submit an Assurance of Compliance (HHS-690). To learn more, see the Laws and Regulations Enforced by the HHS Office for Civil Rights website.
  • HHS recognizes that NIH research projects are often limited in scope for many reasons that are nondiscriminatory, such as the principal investigator’s scientific interest, funding limitations, recruitment requirements, and other considerations. Thus, criteria in research protocols that target or exclude certain populations are warranted where nondiscriminatory justifications establish that such criteria are appropriate with respect to the health or safety of the subjects, the scientific study design, or the purpose of the research.  For additional guidance regarding how the provisions apply to NIH grant programs, please contact the Scientific/Research Contact that is identified in Section VII under Agency Contacts of this NOFO.

All federal statutes and regulations relevant to federal financial assistance, including those highlighted in NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 4 Public Policy Requirements, Objectives and Other Appropriation Mandates.

Recipients are responsible for ensuring that their activities comply with all applicable federal regulations.  NIH may terminate awards under certain circumstances.  See 2 CFR Part 200.340 Termination and NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 8.5.2 Remedies for Noncompliance or Enforcement Actions: Suspension, Termination, and Withholding of Support. 

Not Applicable

3. Data Management and Sharing

Consistent with the 2023 NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing, when data management and sharing is applicable to the award, recipients will be required to adhere to the Data Management and Sharing requirements as outlined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. Upon the approval of a Data Management and Sharing Plan, it is required for recipients to implement the plan as described.

Not applicable for R25 research education program awards.

4. Reporting

When multiple years are involved, recipients will be required to submit the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 8.4.1 Reporting.  To learn more about post-award monitoring and reporting, see the NIH Grants & Funding website, see Post-Award Monitoring and Reporting. Continuation support will not be provided until the required forms are submitted and accepted. Programs that involve participants should report on education in the responsible conduct of research and complete a Training Diversity Report, in accordance with the RPPR Instruction Guide.

NIH NOFOs outline intended research goals and objectives. Post award, NIH will review and measure performance based on the details and outcomes that are shared within the RPPR, as described at 2 CFR 200.301.

Failure by the recipient institution to submit required forms in a timely, complete, and accurate manner may result in an expenditure disallowance or a delay in any continuation funding for the award.

Other Reporting Requirements

• The institution must submit a completed Statement of Appointment (PHS Form 2271) for each participant appointed full time for eight weeks or more or the equivalent. Recipients must submit the PHS 2271 data electronically using the xTrain system. More information on xTrain is available at xTrain (eRA Commons). An appointment or reappointment may begin any time during the budget period, but not before the budget period start date of the grant year.
• Participant Termination Notice: Within 30 days of the end of the total support period for each participant, the institution must submit a Termination Notice (PHS Form 416-7) via xTrain for each participant appointed full time for eight weeks or more, or the equivalent.

A final RPPR and the expenditure data portion of the Federal Financial Report are required for closeout of an award as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 8.6 Closeout.

5. Evaluation

In carrying out its stewardship of human resource-related programs, NIH or its Institutes and Centers will periodically evaluate their R25 research education programs, employing the measures identified below.  In assessing the effectiveness of its research education investments, NIH may request information from databases, PD/PIs, and from participants themselves.  Where necessary, PD/PIs and participants may be contacted after the completion of a research education experience for periodic updates on participants’ subsequent educational or employment history and professional activities.

Upon the completion of a program evaluation, NIH and its ICs will determine whether to (a) continue a program as currently configured, (b) continue a program with modifications, or (c) discontinue a program.

The overall evaluation of the NEI-wide program will be based on metrics that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Characteristics of the applicant and awardee pool for the program, such as:

• Geographic distribution
• Investigator/participant demographics
• Institution types

Indicators of scientific accomplishments / productivity, such as:

• Peer-reviewed research publications, citations, and related bibliometrics
• Presentations at scientific conferences (e.g., talks, posters)
• Professional recognitions (e.g., poster or travel awards, invited talks)

Measures of educational outcomes or career progression, such as:

• Successful transitions to subsequent stages of training (e.g., a research-oriented biomedical doctoral degree program such as Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.)
• Degree completions and time-to-degree in biomedical science fields
• Subsequent research grant support from NIH or other sources
• Participation in the biomedical research workforce

Section VII. Agency Contacts

We encourage inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants.

eRA Service Desk (Questions regarding ASSIST, eRA Commons, application errors and warnings, documenting system problems that threaten submission by the due date, and post-submission issues)

Finding Help Online: https://www.era.nih.gov/need-help (preferred method of contact)
Telephone: 301-402-7469 or 866-504-9552 (Toll Free)

General Grants Information (Questions regarding application instructions, application processes, and NIH grant resources)
Email: [email protected] (preferred method of contact)
Telephone: 301-480-7075

Grants.gov Customer Support (Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and Workspace)
Contact Center Telephone: 800-518-4726
Email: [email protected]

SBA Company Registry (Questions regarding required registration at the SBA Company Registry and for technical questions or issues)
Website to Email: http://sbir.gov/feedback?type=reg

Ed Clayton, Ph.D.
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Telephone: 301-480-9350
Email: [email protected]

Brian Hoshaw, Ph.D.
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Telephone: 301-402-0566
Email: [email protected]
 

Karen Robinson Smith
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Telephone: 301-435-8178
Email: [email protected]

Section VIII. Other Information

Recently issued trans-NIH policy notices may affect your application submission. A full list of policy notices published by NIH is provided in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.

Awards are made under the authorization of 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.