NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Summer Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, has released a funding opportunity titled NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Summer Research Education Program. This initiative is offered under the R25 Education Projects activity code and is reissued from a previous funding announcement. The program seeks to expand research education opportunities focused on Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias by supporting summer research education programs designed for high school students, undergraduate students, or science teachers. The aim is to build and strengthen the pipeline of researchers prepared to address challenges in aging and dementia research through structured and hands-on educational experiences. The overarching goal of the program is to cultivate a research workforce capable of meeting biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. To achieve this, the program funds research experiences designed to provide intensive exposure to AD and ADRD research. Participants cannot lead independent clinical trials under this opportunity, but they may gain experience in clinical trials conducted by mentors. The programs are expected to incorporate both hands-on laboratory work and complementary educational enrichment, such as workshops on writing, presentation skills, and journal clubs. Teachers involved in these programs must demonstrate how they will integrate the research experience into their curriculum during the academic year, thereby strengthening STEM education. The funding scope allows direct costs up to $200,000 annually, with support for program durations of 8 to 14 weeks each year over a maximum project period of five years. Costs can cover personnel, participant salaries and stipends, housing, travel, and program-related expenses. High school and undergraduate participants may receive salaries consistent with institutional policies, while science teachers may be supported up to $20,000 each. Travel funds may be requested to support participant attendance at research sites or conferences. Indirect costs are reimbursed at a rate of 8 percent of modified total direct costs. NIA intends to commit $1,000,000 annually in FY 2027 and FY 2028 to fund up to five new awards per year. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based institutions such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits including small businesses, tribal governments and organizations, and various levels of government. Foreign organizations and components are not eligible. Applicants must have appropriate registrations completed, including SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, before applying. Program directors should be established investigators with a strong track record in AD/ADRD research, education, or mentoring, with at least one PD/PI having direct AD/ADRD expertise. Multiple PD/PIs are encouraged where their combined skills and perspectives can strengthen the program. Institutions must also demonstrate institutional commitment through adequate staffing, facilities, and support. Applications will be reviewed according to NIH’s standard peer review criteria, including significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and environment. Specific emphasis will be placed on the program’s ability to provide meaningful AD/ADRD research experiences, the strength of mentoring and faculty involvement, institutional commitment, and the program’s ability to attract and retain diverse students and teachers. Reviewers will also evaluate plans for responsible conduct of research training, participant evaluation, and dissemination of findings or materials. The funding opportunity was posted on September 2, 2025. The earliest submission date is April 27, 2026, with the first application deadline set for May 27, 2026. Subsequent deadlines include May 26, 2027. Letters of intent are due 30 days before the application due date. The earliest possible award start date is April 2027 for the first cycle. The program will expire after the May 27, 2027 deadline. Applications must be submitted electronically through NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional submission systems. Paper submissions are not accepted. Late applications will not be considered. For additional information, scientific and research inquiries should be directed to Dr. Maria Carranza at NIATraining@mail.nih.gov. Grants management inquiries may be addressed to Jessi Kaufman at jessi.perez@nih.gov or by calling 301-402-7739. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit letters of intent and begin registrations well in advance of deadlines. Review outcomes will be communicated via eRA Commons, with funding decisions informed by peer review results, relevance to program priorities, and availability of funds.