NIH Research Educational Program -Mentoring Activities Networks (R25/UE5)

The NIH Research Education Program for Mentoring Activities and Networks (R25/UE5), sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a federally funded initiative aimed at enhancing the development of a diverse and skilled biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce. The NIH, operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has a long-standing mission to advance scientific knowledge and promote public health through research, training, and education. This opportunity, forecasted under the notice PA-26-083, is specifically intended to support educational activities that improve mentorship practices and expand mentoring networks. The core objective of this program is to strengthen mentorship across biomedical-related fields, supporting the nation's needs in health-related research. Through this opportunity, the NIH aims to attract individuals from various disciplines to research careers by providing structured and high-quality mentoring experiences. These may include formal mentoring networks, professional development activities, and the creation or dissemination of mentorship-focused curricula. Programs may also integrate research elements, targeted courses, or outreach activities designed to foster career readiness for diverse participants. Such efforts are seen as vital to addressing gaps in the pipeline to research careers and ensuring that underrepresented groups have access to meaningful mentorship. Eligible activities under this grant align with Section 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act, allowing NIH to forecast support for educational initiatives through both R25 and UE5 mechanisms. Funding instruments include cooperative agreements and standard research grants. The opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds, thereby reducing financial barriers for applicants. While the precise total program funding and award ceilings are not provided in the forecast, the use of both R25 and UE5 mechanisms suggests potential for a range of award sizes, depending on the project scope. The eligibility criteria are inclusive, allowing applications from a wide variety of institutions and organizations. These include federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, eligible agencies of the federal government, U.S. territories and possessions, as well as faith-based and community-based organizations. This broad eligibility ensures that mentorship programs can be established across a diverse set of settings and populations. The estimated timeline for this opportunity indicates a post date of March 25, 2026, with applications due by May 25, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by April 1, 2027, which is also the anticipated project start date. The opportunity is forecasted, meaning that final details and a full solicitation are still pending release. Interested applicants should begin preparations in anticipation of the release, including establishing partnerships and considering program design elements aligned with NIH's goals for mentorship enhancement. Applications will be managed through Grants.gov, and while no detailed submission process or evaluation criteria are outlined in the forecast notice, applicants can expect standard NIH processes to apply. This typically includes submission of a detailed proposal narrative, budget justification, and biosketches of key personnel. Inquiries should be directed to the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce (DBRW) within the NIH Office of Extramural Research, which is listed as the contact entity for this program. Applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and NIH communications for the official funding announcement and application instructions.