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 complement and/or enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs.

Background 

Advances in biomedical research depend on the continued training and development of a strong biomedical research workforce that includes broad participation. Many benefits flow from an NIH-supported scientific workforce that leverages the talents of rigorous researchers from all backgrounds such as: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of research, and enhancing public trust. 

The biomedical research enterprise is evolving rapidly and researchers should stay abreast of the highest standards of practice in biomedical research. This warrants innovations in research education to equip researchers with technical, operational, and professional skills that keep pace with the biomedical research enterprise. 

Some scientists have limited access to the research education needed to successfully continue or advance their careers. Increasing the geographical reach of research education programs by expanding participation and widely disseminating resources can help address this gap, improving the overall training of the biomedical research workforce. 

Through this funding announcement, NIGMS encourages innovative biomedical research education activities, with a broad reach, that are designed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the research enterprise that is increasingly complex, interdisciplinary, and collaborative.

Objective 

NIGMS intends to fund innovative, educational activities to equip participants with technical, operational, or professional skills required for careers in the biomedical research workforce. These activities must be open to the broader biomedical research community and may focus on participants at one or more career stages from undergraduates to professionals (for example faculty, staff scientists). 

Applications must have a focus on one or more of the following: 

• Courses for Skills Development: In-person or virtual courses designed to develop the skills necessary for biomedical research workforce careers. For example, courses where participants develop:
  • Technical skills: appropriate and safe research methods, new technologies, quantitative/computational approaches, pedagogy 
  • Operational skills: independent knowledge acquisition, rigorous experimental design, data interpretation 
  • Professional skills: management, leadership, communication, teamwork/collaboration, mentoring, career navigation, outreach/advocacy, inclusivity. 
• Curriculum or Methods Development: For example, activities where participants develop or enhance curriculum, methods, novel instructional approaches, or computer-based tools that are intended to improve biomedical research education at numerous organizations.
• Mentoring Activities: For example, activities where participants are trained as mentors; or where participants receive advice, insight, and professional career skills training appropriate to their career stage as part of a mentoring network or similar formal mentoring structure. The typical informal mentoring activities associated with research experience programs and courses for skills development are assumed to be an integral part of those activities, and therefore, do not typically merit the selection of "Mentoring" as a separate activity. 

Program Considerations

NIGMS intends to fund innovative research education programs. Renewal applications will not be accepted. Applications proposing programs related to those previously supported by NIGMS through an R13 or the IPERT R25 must strongly justify the need for the program and additional funding from NIGMS and include new elements that significantly build on the initial award activities. An application that simply proposes to continue previously supported activities will not be considered for funding.

Applicants interested in obtaining support for scientific meetings, conferences, seminars, or similar activities should apply to the NIGMS Support for Scientific Meetings (R13) or NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13).

The proposed IPERT program may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant organization, 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.

Program Design

• Innovation is a central feature of the NIGMS IPERT funding opportunity. The proposed program should either apply novel concepts, methods or technologies, or use existing concepts, methods, technologies in novel ways, to achieve the program’s overarching goal of enhancing the training of the nation’s biomedical research workforce. An application that simply proposes to continue previously implemented activities may be considered to lack innovation or not align with the IPERT program goals. However, broadly expanding participation for an already developed program may be appropriate if it will meet a significant need in the biomedical research workforce.
• NIGMS encourages applications that are intended for individuals in a variety of biomedical fields; however, if a scientific area is described, priority is given for programs addressing areas of study within the NIGMS mission.
• IPERT programs are expected to be accessible to scientists from all backgrounds and abilities, for example, scientists with disabilities. Funded activities are encouraged to explore innovative methods to enhance the accessibility of materials for all members of the biomedical research workforce to benefit from the IPERT program.
• IPERT activities must be open to the broader biomedical community and not be restricted to participants from a single organization. NIGMS prioritizes programs that are open to participants nationwide. Strong justification should be provided for proposed programs with regional participant pools, for example, if the program serves specific regional needs or if nationwide participation is not practical (see application instructions for the Research Education Program Plan).
• IPERT activities may focus on individuals at a particular career stage or at a range of stages, from undergraduate to professional (for example faculty, staff scientists). Programs designed for pre-college participants should refer to the Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) program.

Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP)

The NIH recognizes that teams comprised of investigators with diverse perspectives working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct viewpoints outperform homogeneous teams. There are many benefits that flow from a scientific workforce rich with diverse perspectives, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the research, advancing the likelihood that underserved populations participate in, and benefit from research, and enhancing public trust.

To support the best science, the NIH encourages inclusivity in research guided by the consideration of diverse perspectives. Broadly, diverse perspectives can include but are not limited to the educational background and scientific expertise of the people who perform the research; the populations who participate as human subjects in research studies; and the places where research is done.

This NOFO requires a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which will be assessed as part of the scientific and technical peer review evaluation. Assessment of applications containing a PEDP are based on the scientific and technical merit of the proposed project. Consistent with federal law, the race, ethnicity, or sex of a researcher, award participant, or trainee will not be considered during the application review process or when making funding decisions. Applications that fail to include a PEDP will be considered incomplete and will be administratively withdrawn before review.

The PEDP will be submitted as Other Project Information as an attachment (see Section IV). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the NOFO instructions carefully and view the available PEDP guidance materials.

Non-Responsive Applications

Applications with the following characteristics will be considered non-responsive to this NOFO and administratively withdrawn:

• Applications that do not include plans for at least one of the following activities: Courses for Skills Development, Curriculum or Methods Development,or Mentoring Activities.
• Applications with senior/key personnel who have current or previous NIGMS IPERT R25 or R13 support for the proposed activities that do not include the Results from Related NIGMS Support section of the Research Education Program Plan (see Section IV).
• Applications proposing programs aimed at participants in a single organization.
• Applications proposing project-based research experiences as integral to the proposed IPERT program (such as traditional mentored research experiences where the primary purpose is training individuals in the process of research while seeking to discover novel information). IPERT research experiences may be acceptable if they occur within a course where the primary purpose of the research is educational or skills training (for example, to learn the course concepts or methodology/research techniques). 

Potential applicants are strongly recommended to communicate with the NIGMS Scientific/Research Contact(s) listed in Section VII prior to writing an application to determine whether the IPERT program is appropriate for their proposed efforts to enhance research training.

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)

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

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 individuals from 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(s)/PI(s) should be capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD(s)/PI(s) will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

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) 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)

Additional Eligibility Information:

• A PD/PI with an active IPERT award is eligible to submit a new IPERT application if the new IPERT project is distinct from the active award and there is no more than six months overlap between the end date of the current IPERT award and the potential start date of the new IPERT award.
• An organization with previous or current IPERT R25 or a NIGMS R13 awards is eligible to submit new applications that are distinct from and do not overlap with those previous or current IPERT R25 or NIGMS R13 awards.
• Organizations with a contractual fee for service or consortium partnership with an active IPERT award may submit a new IPERT application if the proposed program is independent of the existing IPERT contractual fee for service or consortium partnership.

Participants

Individuals who will participate in the proposed IPERT program courses, curriculum or methods development, and/or mentoring activities may include undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals in the biomedical research fields.

Unless strongly justified on the basis of exceptional relevance to the NIH, research education programs should be used primarily for the education of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

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.

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, as applicable, the facilities, laboratories, computer services, and any other resources to be used in the development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of the proposed program. An Organizational Support Letter must be included (see Letters of Support for Instructions). Do not duplicate information found in the Organizational Support Letter in this section.

Other Attachments.

• Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) (required)
  • In an "Other Attachment" entitled "Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives," all applicants must include a summary of actionable strategies to advance the scientific and technical merit of the proposed project through expanded inclusivity. 
  • Applicants should align their proposed strategies for PEDP with the research strategy section, providing a holistic and integrated view of how enhancing diverse perspectives and inclusivity are buoyed throughout the application.
  • The PEDP will vary depending on the scientific aims, expertise required, the environment and performance site(s), as well as how the project aims are structured.
  • The PEDP may be no more than 2 pages in length and should include:
    • Actionable strategies using defined approaches for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the project;
    • Description of how the PEDP will advance the scientific and technical merit of the proposed project;
    • Anticipated timeline of proposed PEDP activities;
    • Evaluation methods for assessing the progress and success of PEDP activities.Examples of items that advance inclusivity in research and may be appropriate for a PEDP can include, but are not limited to:
      • Partnerships with different types of institutions and organizations (e.g., research-intensive; undergraduate-focused; HBCUs; emerging research institutions; community-based organizations).
      • Project frameworks that enable communities and researchers to work collaboratively as equal partners in all phases of the research process.
      • Outreach and planned engagement activities to enhance recruitment of individuals from diverse groups as human subjects in clinical trials, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.
      • Description of planned partnerships that may enhance geographic and regional diversity.
      • Outreach and recruiting activities intended to diversify the pool of applicants for research training programs, such as outreach to prospective applicants from groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, for example, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women.
      •  Plans to utilize the project infrastructure (i.e., research and structure) to enhance the research environment and support career-advancing opportunities for junior, early- and mid-career researchers.
      • Transdisciplinary research projects and collaborations among researchers from fields beyond the biological sciences, such as physics, engineering, mathematics, computational biology, computer and data sciences, as well as bioethics.
    • Examples of items that are not appropriate in a PEDP include, but are not limited to:
      • Selection or hiring of personnel for a research team based on their race, ethnicity, or sex.
      • A training or mentorship program limited to certain researchers based on their race, ethnicity, or sex. 
    • For further information on the Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), please see PEDP guidance materials.

• Advisory Committee (Optional; 1-page maximum). An Advisory Committee may be appropriate but is not a required component of an IPERT program. If an Advisory Committee is intended, explain/describe the role and responsibilities of the committee and interactions with the PD(s)/PI(s) in the design and execution of the program. The desired expertise of committee members, frequency of committee meetings, and other relevant information should be included. To avoid conflicts in the review process, only pre-existing Advisory Committee members should be named in the application. Potential Advisory Committee members should not be identified or contacted prior to receiving an award. Please name the file “Advisory_Committee.pdf”.
• Research Education Activities (Optional; 10-page maximum). As applicable, the application may include syllabi/outlines of all required training activities (for example, syllabi for courses, mentor training materials, professional development workshops, career exploration opportunities, skills development activities). Please name the file “Required_Research_Education_Activities.pdf”.

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

Biographical sketch. The personal statement should describe relevant educational program experience and commitment to educational training. 

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. 
• PEDP implementation costs: Applicants may include allowable costs associated with PEDP implementation (as outlined in the Grants Policy Statement section 7): https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/html5/section_7/7.1_general.htm.
  • These costs should be specifically identified in the detailed budget and justification section.

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

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

• Proposed IPERT Program
• Program Leadership Structure
• Program Participants
• Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity
• Evaluation Plan
• Dissemination Plan

Proposed IPERT Program. The proposed research education program must contain one or more of the activities listed in Section I. Funding Opportunity Description: Courses for Skills Development, Curriculum and Methods Development, and/or Mentoring Activities.The program must be distinct from ongoing research training and education programs currently receiving federal support at the applicant organization.Applicants should describe the following areas:

Rationale for the proposed program. Describe the gap in biomedical research training that the program intends to address and how it will contribute to the NIGMS goals for training a diverse biomedical research workforce to address the nation’s needs. The application should include literature support and, if possible, existing baseline data to provide a strong justification for the program.

Objectives. State the specific, obtainable, and measurable short-term and long-term objectives of the proposed program. The objectives should align with the overarching goal of the IPERT program, be based on sound educational concepts and principles and be likely to be effective. Explain why the educational objectives of the program are relevant at a regional or national level and why they cannot be met through existing widely-available programs. 

Scientific focus (if applicable). If a scientific focus is proposed, explain how the program aligns with the NIGMS mission and/or NIH mission. If the proposed program’s plan is to recruit from only one biomedical discipline (for example, genetics, cell biology, etc.), describe the program’s relevance to the broader biomedical research workforce.

Innovation. Explain how the planned activities are innovative and how this innovation influences the value of the proposed program. Examples of innovation could include new or substantially improved existing strategies to address an important need, creative methods to engage a broad audience in a cost-effective way, etc. Innovations at scales appropriate for this program tend to need funding beyond typical organizational support. An application that simply proposes to continue previously implemented activities may be considered to lack innovation or not align with the IPERT program goals. However, broadly expanding participation for an already developed program may be appropriate if it will meet a significant need in the biomedical research workforce.

Results from Related NIGMS Support. This section is required if any senior/key personnel on the proposed program have any current or previous IPERT or R13 support related to the application. If applicable, provide the following information about the supported program(s):

• Objectives
• Activities conducted (to date, for active programs)
• Participant data, including number, career stage, geographic/organizational breadth.
• Evaluation findings, such as outcomes data or other evidence of the previous program’s efficacy.
• A description of how the program proposed in this application has been informed by evaluation of the prior program.
• A detailed description of how the proposed program is new and significantly differs from or expands upon the previously funded program(s). Simply adding virtual access to existing programs or expanding the geographic region are unlikely to be viewed as a significant difference.

Program activities. Required for all applications.

• Describe the activities designed to complement and/or enhance the training of the participants, consistent with the overarching goal of the IPERT program.
• Describe the planning and implementation of the proposed program.
• Describe how the program will be accessible to scientists from all backgrounds and abilities, for example, scientists with disabilities. Funded activities are encouraged to explore innovative methods to enhance the accessibility of materials for all members of the biomedical research workforce to benefit from the IPERT program.
• For applications with a focus on Courses for Skills Development, provide details on the planned courses, seminars, or workshops, including scope, format, duration, and frequency, as well as planned instructional methods. Explain how the activities employ evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning. (Applicants may include the optional “Research Education Activities” attachment to provide material for required training activities.)
• For applications with a focus on Curriculum and Methods Development, provide details on how the PDs/PIs and program personnel (defined in Section IV, Program Leadership Structure) will support participants in developing or enhancing curriculum, methods, instructional approaches, computer-based tools, etc.
• For applications with a focus on Mentoring Activities, provide details, as applicable, on the approaches to mentor training, the structure of the mentoring activities, the target populations in the biomedical research workforce, strategies to effectively match mentors with mentees, etc.
• If relevant, provide a plan for integrating instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility through rigor and transparency into the proposed activities. The plan should be appropriate and reasonable for the nature and duration of the proposed activities. The subject matter should have topics that are important to the objectives of the proposed IPERT program. Examples of principles important for enhancing research reproducibility may include critical evaluation of foundational research underlying a project (the scientific premise), 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 NIGMS clearinghouse for training modules to enhance data reproducibility and other resources when developing the plans.
• If applicable, provide a plan integrating instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) into the proposed activities. RCR is defined as the practice of scientific investigation with integrity. It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. The plan should be appropriate and reasonable for the nature and duration of the proposed activities. The subject matter should have topics that are important to the objectives of the proposed IPERT program. Examples may include conflict of interest, authorship, data management, human subjects and animal use, laboratory safety, research misconduct, and/or research ethics.

Ongoing Engagement with Program Participants. To help ensure that program activities have their desired effects, NIGMS expects that IPERT program participants will have opportunities for continued engagement (for example, through peer or group mentoring, follow-up activities, etc.) after completion of courses, seminars, or workshops. Describe the plans for providing this continued engagement, including the mechanism and who will be providing the continued engagement.

Learning Environment. Describe how the activities employ evidence-informed methods that promote learning environments that are supportive, safe, and inclusive for the program personnel and participants.

Timeline. Include a timeline of when the objectives and major program activities will be achieved.

Program Leadership Structure. The application should include the planned strategy and administrative structure to oversee and monitor the program and to ensure appropriate and timely progress for the duration of the program. Describe the roles of the PD/PI, senior/key personnel, and other program personnel in facilitating the program.

Program Director/Principal Investigator. Provide evidence that the PD(s)/PI(s) has the appropriate expertise and ability to organize, administer, monitor, disseminate, as well as coordinate evaluation of the IPERT program. PDs/PIs may include biomedical researchers, subject-matter experts, program administrators, educators, evaluators, etc. Provide evidence that the PD(s)/PI(s) has sufficient time to devote to the successful implementation of the plan. For programs proposing multiple PDs/PIs, expand upon but do not duplicate information in the Multiple PD/PI Leadership Plan. Describe the complementary expertise of the team, their roles and leadership approach, and governance appropriate for the planned program.

Program Personnel (if applicable). Depending on the nature of the proposed activities, some programs may include additional individuals to serve in specific roles, such as subject-matter or technical experts, program facilitators, instructors, mentors. These Program Personnel may or may not be senior/key personnel. Describe recruitment plans, desired qualifications, and processes to ensure all program personnel will have the skills, knowledge and experience needed to achieve the proposed research education goals. NIH encourages recruitment of appropriate role models for the intended participants, including individuals from diverse backgrounds (for example, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds (NIH's Interest in Diversity).

Program Participants. Describe the intended program participants and explain how they will be recruited to participate in the proposed program. Refer to Section I, Program Considerations, for NIGMS intentions for participants of funded IPERT programs and Section III for participant eligibility.

Funded programs are expected to recruit participants broadly. Applicants not proposing a national recruitment strategy (for example, focusing on one region or a limited set of organizations) should strongly justify this approach. Such an approach may be justified for reasons including, but not limited to, the following examples:

• The proposed program addresses national needs, but recruiting, processing and selecting applications to the program on a national scale is beyond the current capacity of the applicant organization.
• The proposed program addresses region-specific needs. In these cases, the region-specific need should be clearly defined. Demonstrate that the widest feasible population for the region-specific need(s) will be involved and/or that there will be a significant impact on the proportion of scientists with the region-specific need.

Applicants should:

• State the educational and/or career level(s) of the planned participants, and the number of anticipated participants in each segment of program offering(s).
• When relevant, describe participant eligibility or selection criteria, and plans for a potential participant review process that will select a broad group of promising participants who are committed to contributing to the biomedical research enterprise. All selection processes must be consistent with applicable laws.

Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity. If applicable, provide a plan that includes strategies and activities designed to recruit potential participants from diverse backgrounds, for example, individuals from underrepresented groups (see NIH's Interest in Diversity). Applicants are encouraged to consult the NIGMS webpage for strategies to enhance diversity in training programs when designing their plans.

Evaluation Plan. IPERT programs must conduct ongoing evaluations to monitor the success of the activities for formative and summative evaluative purposes. The application may include blank survey instruments, rubrics or forms in the appendix (see Appendix instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide). Applicants are encouraged to develop the Research Education Program Plan in consultation with the evaluation team to ensure the activities are designed to meet the objectives and the milestones for success are measurable. Evaluation resources are available on the NIGMS training resources webpage. In the evaluation plan describe:

• The methods, metrics, and timeline to determine whether the program is effective in meeting its objectives with respect to the participants' development and/or program objectives.
• The characteristics of the data to be collected. The data could be centered on career or scholarly outcomes (for example, pursuit of a science degree, degree attainment, success in career transitioning, grant submissions, posters, publications) and/or any other relevant data appropriate for the specific proposed objectives. Data can include but should not be limited to psychosocial factors (for example, self-perceived gains, belonging, science identity, self-efficacy, career satisfaction).
• A description of the comparator group, if possible (for example, individuals with similar demographics and aptitude metrics who are at a similar training level and will not participate in program activities).
• The mechanism for determining whether the skill development and mentoring activities are conducted in environments that are inclusive, safe, and supportive of the participants' development.
• Plans for being responsive to internal and external outcomes analyses, critiques, surveys and evaluations. Programs are expected to obtain feedback from the participants about the effectiveness of the activities using confidential methods for formative and summative assessment purposes.
• How the program will effectively track outcomes while ensuring the data collection and storage methods will be safeguarded and preserved.

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 to the broader and relevant biomedical research community.

In most cases, successful IPERT programs will disseminate plans, programming, projects, and evaluation outcomes through publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals, other professional venues, or conference presentations (travel costs associated with attendance at such meetings may be requested in the budget). Other examples include, but are not limited to, sharing material via internet educational portals, conducting webinars, or running workshops.

Materials or products developed from or enhanced by this award (for example software or curricula), in most cases, should be made widely available to biomedical researchers and educators in the non-profit sector, such as organizations of education, research organizations, and government laboratories. Any curricula or instructional methods developed should be readily adaptable by the broader biomedical research education community. In addition, the following considerations should apply to software dissemination:

• Users should be permitted to modify the source code and share their modifications with others.
• Availability terms 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.
• 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.

Applicants should also describe additional plans to continue IPERT activities and tracking of outcomes beyond the award, as renewal applications are not accepted. This may include, but are not limited to, strategies to secure other sources of funding and/or potential subsequent modifications to the proposed program to enable further dissemination.

Letters of Support

Organizational Support Letter. The application must include an Organizational Support Letter that describes the availability of staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned research education program and its evaluation and dissemination. Program personnel should have sufficient organizational support to create a sound educational environment for the program participants. The letter should expand upon, but not duplicate information provided in the Facilities & Other Resources section. Applications lacking an Organizational Support Letter will not be reviewed.

Other Letters of Support. Additional letters of support (for example, from partner organizations) are permitted; however, these letters may not contain any information required in the Organizational Support Letter described above.  

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:

Appendix

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

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 SF424 (R&R) Application Guide must be followed.

Some IPERT programs may meet the requirements of Human Subjects research. The NIH OER Human Subjects Research website and NIH Human Subjects Research Exemptions infographic may be useful for guidance but does not replace the necessity to consult with the organizational IRB.  

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 NIGMS. Applications that are incomplete or non-compliant will not be reviewed.

Applications must include a PEDP submitted as an Other Attachment on the SF424(R&R) Other Project Information form. Applications that fail to include a PEDP will be considered incomplete and will be withdrawn without review. 

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 grantdisclosures@oig.hhs.gov. 

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 NOFO: The goal of this R25 program is to support innovative, high-quality skills development, curriculum or methods development, and/or mentoring activities to equip participants with the technical, operational, and professional skills required for careers in the biomedical research workforce. An application that simply proposes to continue previously implemented activities may be considered to lack innovation or not align with the IPERT program goals. However, broadly expanding participation for an already developed program may be appropriate if it will meet a significant need in the biomedical research workforce.

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. As part of the overall impact score, reviewers should consider and indicate how the Plan to Enhance Diverse Perspectives affects the scientific merit of the project.

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) convened by the NIGMS Scientific Review Branch, in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures, 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 appropriate national Advisory Council or Board. The following will be considered in making funding decisions:

• Scientific and technical merit of the proposed project, including the PEDP, as determined by scientific peer review.
• Availability of funds.
• Relevance of the proposed project to program priorities.
• Portfolio balance, including scientific areas, approaches, targeted career stages, organizations, and geographic distribution.

Please note that reviewers will not consider race, ethnicity, age, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation or transgender status) of a researcher, award participant, or trainee, even in part, in providing critiques, scores, or funding recommendations. NIH will not consider such factors in making its funding decisions. 

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 (IEC) 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.

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.

Sample accomplishment data may include the following: 

• Overall participation, including number of participants served, amount of time of engagement, and program completion rates. 
• List of all home organizations/institutions of the participants and number of participants from each organization. 
• Number of participants in each biomedical research field such as cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, physiology, etc. 
• Number of participants per career stage. 
• Geographic distribution of participants. 
• The number of individuals that applied to and were accepted to the program.

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

• Grant recipients will provide updates at least annually on implementation of the PEDP.
• A dedicated section must be included in the annual RPPR detailing the progress made toward the goals and measurable objectives as stated in the Evaluation Plan of the competing application.

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

Evaluation of this research education program will use, but not be limited to, the following metrics:

• Institution types represented
• Geographical distribution of programs
• Scientific focus areas
• Course content areas
• Aggregate number and demographic characteristics of individuals reached
• Career outcomes of participants
• Psychosocial outcomes associated with biomedical research careers
• Scientific productivity and impact of participants
• Educational levels of participants
• Quality and utilization of dissemination products
• Evidence of sustainability

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: GrantsInfo@nih.gov (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: support@grants.gov

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

Sydella Blatch Alexander, Ph.D.
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: sydella.blatch@nih.gov

Kalynda Gonzales Stokes, Ph.D.
National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: kalynda.stokes@nih.gov

Joyce Stamm, Ph.D.
National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: joyce.stamm@nih.gov

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: NIGMSReview@mail.nih.gov

Justin Rosenzweig
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Email: justin.rosenzweig@nih.gov

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, 45 CFR Part 75 and 2 CFR 200.