Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Entry-Level Modules (ELM) for Training the Genomics Research Workforce (UE5-Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Key Dates

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National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) plans to publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for training the entry-level research workforce on basic genomic concepts (UE5 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). The program intends to: 1) develop, implement, and evaluate modules of genomics-related curriculum for the entry-level genomics research workforce by supporting lead sites teamed with partner sites, such as community, technical, or tribal colleges; and 2) enhance diversity in genomics by supporting and facilitating opportunities for the entry-level workforce.

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations with partner sites and responsive projects.

The FOA is expected to be published at the beginning of 2023. Applications are expected to be accepted in May 2023 for FY24 funding.

This FOA will utilize the UE5 activity code. Details of the planned FOA are provided below.

The entry-level genomics research workforce includes positions that do not require a bachelor’s degree, but often require dedicated training and specific skills, such as medical, nursing, genetic counseling, research, and laboratory assistants. This FOA will support the development of modules of genomics-related curriculum through collaborations between lead and partner sites. Lead sites, which have expertise in genomics, will create genomics-related curricula that will be incorporated into existing programs at partner sites. Partner sites are those that train the entry-level genomics research workforce, such as certificate, vocational, and continuing education programs at community, technical, and tribal colleges, hiring institutions, or professional organizations. Applications will be expected to discuss the nature and logistics of the collaboration between the lead and partner sites and include letters of support from partner sites.

Applications should include proposals for modules and a dissemination plan to make the modules freely available, at no cost to the broader community. Modules will be stand-alone units of genomics-related curriculum intended to supplement existing training and could include online coursework, lesson plans for in-person classes, suggested readings, and/or activities to reinforce lesson objectives. Lead sites will collaborate with 3-5 partner sites to understand their genomic training needs, create modules to meet those needs, provide training and guidance to the partner sites to support implementation, provide tuition and education costs to trainees, and evaluate and refine the curriculum. Training topics could include basic genomic concepts; genomic testing strategies or methodologies; and ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research.

The entry-level workforce tends to include individuals who are more likely to be underrepresented in the research workforce than does the workforce in graduate, post-doctoral, or senior research positions. By providing exposure to and training in genomics to entry-level workers who may later continue their education, a more diverse workforce can be attracted into genomics. To help reduce barriers to entry and enhance diversity, lead sites will be expected to provide funds to partner sites to support tuition and education costs for trainees who participate in the modules.

Under the UE5 activity code, grantees funded through this Funding Opportunity Announcement will engage in post-award collaboration with other grantees. Collaboration efforts will include, but are not limited to, refining and finalizing topics for modules, avoiding the creation of duplicative materials, creating a timeline for the projects, sharing modules among awardees for potential implementation at partner sites, and providing a dissemination plan for making the modules publicly available at no cost.

Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Private Institution of Higher Education
Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education)
Small Business
For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)
State Government
County governments
Independent school districts
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
U.S. Territory or Possession
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)

Applications are not being solicited at this time. 

Please direct all inquiries to:

Renee Rider, JD, MS, CGC

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

301-443-4336

[email protected]