NINDS Research Education Opportunities (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has reissued its R25 Research Education Program under funding opportunity number PAR-24-200. This opportunity, titled "NINDS Research Education Opportunities (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," is designed to support nationally organized neuroscience education programs that offer hands-on research experience and in-depth training in techniques, analytic methods, and theoretical knowledge. These programs aim to enhance the nation's biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce by offering immersive educational opportunities that are not otherwise available at local or regional levels. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to promote the development of research education programs that incorporate intensive practical experience, integrated coursework, and expert-led discussions. Acceptable activities include skills development courses and research experiences for graduate, medical, and other health professional students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty in training. Programs must recruit participants nationally, include a structured application and selection process, and be led by nationally recognized educators and researchers. The educational experience must be rigorous and designed to instill an understanding of good scientific practice, including study design, data analysis, reporting transparency, and ethical conduct. Applications may be submitted by a wide range of U.S.-based organizations including public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, small and large businesses, and public or private organizations. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, although foreign components may be included. Applications must clearly distinguish their proposed program from any ongoing research training initiatives funded by other mechanisms, such as NRSA T32 or T35 grants. Programs should not include clinical trial training, conferences, or summer professional development unless otherwise directed to appropriate NINDS mechanisms. The award ceiling is $250,000 in direct costs per year for a maximum project period of five years. Budgets must reflect actual project needs and include itemized participant costs if applicable. Indirect costs are capped at 8% of modified total direct costs. Funding can be used for personnel, consultant costs, travel, supplies, and other justified expenses necessary to support the education program. Participants may receive compensation and per diem under specific conditions, and may be supported by NIH training or career development programs, although they may not receive salary or stipend support from this R25 mechanism. Applications are accepted on an annual cycle, with upcoming due dates on July 15 in 2024 and 2025, and July 14 in 2026. The earliest possible project start dates are in April of the year following submission, pending peer and council review. A letter of intent is encouraged and should be submitted at least 30 days before the application due date. All submissions must conform strictly to the NIH How to Apply - Application Guide and use NIH’s ASSIST, an institutional system-to-system platform, or Grants.gov Workspace. Applications must include a detailed evaluation plan with measurable outcomes and, where applicable, a dissemination plan. The responsible conduct of research must be addressed through in-person training and should include content such as authorship, data management, research ethics, and laboratory safety. Contact information for guidance includes Dr. Letitia Weigand (DirectorOTWD@ninds.nih.gov) for scientific inquiries and Shellie Wilburn (shellie.wilburn@nih.gov) for financial questions.

Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff to assess programmatic interest and ensure eligibility.