Limited Competition: Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Transition Scholar (StARRTS)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled “Stimulating Access to Research in Residency Transition Scholar (StARRTS)” under opportunity number FOR-HL-25-025. NHLBI is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has a mission to support research, training, and education programs that promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood diseases, and sleep disorders. This opportunity reflects NHLBI’s continued effort to invest in the development of a skilled and diverse biomedical research workforce, particularly in critical areas of public health relevance. The StARRTS initiative is a limited competition funding opportunity aimed at supporting individuals who have completed an R38 program and are transitioning into independent research roles. The primary objective of the StARRTS program is to stimulate continued access to mentored research experiences during the critical early career transition from residency to independent research. It is a career development program designed to foster the development of physician-scientists capable of addressing complex clinical, behavioral, and biomedical research questions. This opportunity aims to ensure a steady pipeline of highly trained professionals in disciplines aligned with the NIH's research priorities. The funding categories associated with this opportunity include cardiovascular, lung, blood diseases research, and translation and implementation science, as well as research related to sleep disorders. The grant falls under several NIH assistance listings including 93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, and 93.840, emphasizing the breadth of potential research topics and alignment with various research centers within the NIH. While the notice does not disclose the total program funding, award floor, or ceiling, it clearly positions the opportunity within discretionary federal funding mechanisms. Eligible applicants span a broad range of entity types, including public and private institutions of higher education, small businesses, nonprofits (excluding educational institutions), state and local governments, independent school districts, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and for-profit entities other than small businesses. Importantly, eligibility is further limited to candidates who have previously participated in the R38 program, making this a companion opportunity with a narrow and specific target population. This is a forecasted opportunity, with an expected application open date of August 1, 2025, and a closing date of October 14, 2025. Awards are expected to be issued by May 1, 2026, with project start dates anticipated for July 1, 2026. The forecast was last updated on July 1, 2025. Applications are not yet being accepted, but the notice is being issued in advance to allow time for applicants to plan, develop collaborations, and prepare robust submissions. No cost sharing or matching requirements are imposed for this opportunity. Questions or additional information requests regarding the program may be directed to Dr. David Schopfer at the NHLBI. He can be reached by phone at 301-402-3833 or by email at david.schopfer@nih.gov. This early notice serves as a prompt for qualified candidates and institutions to begin considering their participation in this transition-focused initiative aimed at securing the next generation of independent physician-scientists in critical public health research areas.