Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R25 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R25 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) funding opportunity, under the NIH Research Education Program (R25), supports short-term educational initiatives aimed at enhancing methodological training in behavioral and social sciences research (BSSR). This program is managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with participating components including the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) and multiple NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs). These include the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and others, all supporting initiatives aligned with their mission areas. The goal is to address training gaps and expand the capacity of BSSR through integrative, innovative methods and analytics not widely available through existing educational programs. Applicants are encouraged to propose skills development courses addressing cross-cutting methodologies critical for BSSR. These courses should be integrative, focusing on data collection, big data analytics, and underutilized research designs. Topics may include artificial intelligence, neuroimaging, mobile health approaches, intervention development, and methods relevant to specific ICs such as substance use (NIDA), aging (NIA), or dietary supplements (ODS). Applicants must present a strong rationale demonstrating how their course fills an unmet educational need, and how they plan to disseminate training materials beyond in-person attendees via remote platforms, open educational resources (OERs), and models like “Train the Trainers.” Eligibility extends to a broad spectrum of organizations, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, local and state governments, and tribal entities. However, foreign organizations and non-U.S. components are ineligible. Applications must demonstrate institutional commitment and ensure participant support is distinct from other federally funded training (e.g., NRSA). The maximum budget is $200,000 in direct costs per year, for up to four years, and must comply with NIH’s cost policies. NIH anticipates making 3–4 awards per fiscal cycle (FY 2026 and FY 2028) with an estimated total of $1 million each year. The application process requires submission through NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov systems. Key dates include a letter of intent due by March 8, 2025, and application due date on April 9, 2025. A subsequent cycle follows the same timeline in 2027. Applications are reviewed on scientific merit, innovation, significance, and alignment with the NIH mission. A strong plan for evaluation and dissemination is required. Applicants must also include instruction in responsible conduct of research and methods to enhance reproducibility. Contacts for scientific questions include Erica Spotts (OBSSR), Richard Moser (NCI), and representatives from each IC. Submission issues are directed to the eRA Service Desk or Grants.gov support. A full review process ensures scientific rigor and appropriate alignment with NIH priorities, with awards beginning as early as December 2025. Applicants are advised to consult the full funding announcement and reach out to the relevant program contacts before submission.

Engage with relevant NIH contacts before submission Justify the course's uniqueness and necessity Include a strong plan for dissemination and sustainability Use train-the-trainer or OER models to expand reach