NIH Neuroscience Development for Advancing the Careers of a Diverse Research Workforce (R25)

Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).

Program Summary 

The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. 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 the stated over-arching goal, this FOA will support creative educational activities with a primary focus on:

  • Mentoring Activities: Within the context of a mentoring network, activities may include, but are not limited to, dedicated efforts at providing not only technical expertise, but advice, insight, and professional career skills that advance the broad career goals of diverse college students, graduate students, postdocs and/or early-career faculty; facilitating scholarly writing and grantsmanship; promoting successful transitions from one career stage to another; providing leadership development; helping to identify potential collaborators; and helping to establish interdisciplinary collaborations in order to foster a career trajectory towards independent neuroscience research. Additionally, the NIH realizes that quality mentorship is critical to the recruitment and retention of scientists from underrepresented groups. Therefore, this FOA welcomes programs aimed at improving the caliber of mentorship. For example, workshops to educate mentors on establishing and sustaining effective research mentoring relationships (e.g. summer course or a workshop accompanying a neuroscience-related scientific meeting in which case-based scenarios may be used to educate mentors on various relevant ethical, professional and cultural issues facing students today for example, effective communication and mentoring compacts, or addressing cultural awareness, among others). Also, the program intends to support innovative mentoring network programs within neuroscience-focused scientific and/or professional societies and organizations. Mentors from all demographic backgrounds should be encouraged to participate in the proposed program.
  • Research Experiences: Provide hands-on authentic research experiences that reflect intellectual contribution to the project and for graduate students to provide research experiences and related training not available through formal NIH training mechanisms; for postdocs and junior faculty to extend their skills, experiences, and knowledge base. In addition to hands-on research experiences, programs are expected to include complementary activities that support the participants' scientific development, such as scientific writing and presentation skills, and training in rigor and reproducibility. The nature of research experiences should be tailored to the needs and career levels of participants. It is expected that mentoring will be provided in conjunction with planned research experiences and participants will design individualized development plans (IDPs) that are compatible with their needs and experience. Additionally, programs that provide educational/research experiences that enhance the participation and productivity of investigators from diverse backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, in carrying out research on NINDS and/or NIMH mission-relevant health disparities will be considered.
  • Courses for Skills Development: For example, advanced courses in a neuroscience research area relevant to either or both NIMH/NINDS missions, or specialized research techniques to enhance the research skills of diverse graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty. Additionally, career development seminars and workshops such as grant writing, manuscript preparation, enhancing laboratory management for early stage faculty, building a successful career path and other core competencies--like experimental rigor and quantitative skills, as recommended in Developing a 21st Century Neuroscience Workforce--are highly encouraged. Activities should fulfill a gap in existing resources and provide a course that is significant and impactful for the neuroscience research community.

Deadlines

CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST June 14, 2021

Sponsor Letter of Intent Deadline: 5:00pm MST August 27, 2021

Sponsor Application Deadline: 5:00pm MST September 27, 2021

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

  • Research Education Program Plan Summary (2 pages maximum): Please describe the proposed research education program, program participants, institutional environment and commitment, recruitment plan to enhance diversity, and evaluation plan.
  • Project Team Description (2 pages maximum): Please identify the program director/PI (and describe their engagement in research and/or teaching related to the NINDS mission and evidence that they can organize, administer, monitor, and evaluate the research education program), identify program faculty (and their intended roles and research expertise/experience relevant to the program; researchers from diverse backgrounds are encouraged), and describe plans for program administration.
  • PI CV / Biosketch
  • Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit: https://cuboulderovcr.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/6618/home

Eligibility

The PD/PI must have a regular, full-time appointment (i.e. not adjunct, part-time, retired, or emeritus) at the applicant institution and should have research, teaching, and/or academic administrative experience.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Only one application per institution is allowed.

Award Information

Award Budget: Limited to a maximum of $250,000 direct costs per year.

Award Period: Maximum project period is 5 years.

Review Criteria

Please consider NIH’s specific review criteria as the proposal is developed. The internal review committee will use these criteria as a guide when evaluating internal proposals.