Bioengineering Research, Innovation and Technology Education (BRITE) Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Bioengineering Research, Innovation and Technology Education Program, known as BRITE, is administered by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is issued as funding opportunity number PAR-26-025 and is categorized as discretionary grant funding. It operates under Assistance Listing 93.286, which supports discovery and applied research for technological innovations to improve human health. The program is forecasted, with applications expected to open in early 2026, and is designed to support the development of undergraduate students in bioengineering, biomedical imaging, and related STEM fields aligned with the mission of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. The BRITE program is intended for freshmen and sophomores at baccalaureate degree–granting institutions, particularly those with modest levels of NIH research project grant support. The purpose is to encourage students to pursue advanced degrees and eventual research careers in bioengineering, biomedical imaging, or other areas relevant to NIBIB. To accomplish this, the program will fund educational activities that combine didactic training with experiential learning, mentoring, and career development. Specific elements include a summer bridge program for incoming freshmen, structured educational programming during the freshman and sophomore years, and summer research experiences. Together, these opportunities are meant to provide students with early and meaningful exposure to bioengineering and innovation training. The grant supports only the first two years of undergraduate training for student participants. Funding is not directed to individual research projects but instead to institutional programs that can deliver integrated educational and research experiences. While the notice specifies the structure of supported activities, it does not provide further details on specific spending restrictions or allowable costs beyond the requirement that activities align with the stated program design. Applicants are encouraged to design proposals that expand institutional capacity for rigorous undergraduate training in bioengineering. Eligible applicants for this program include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education. No other applicant categories are listed, and eligibility does not extend to individuals, nonprofits, governments, or for-profit organizations. The intent is to support institutions that can create and sustain undergraduate training opportunities in the fields specified. As such, eligibility is narrowly focused on higher education institutions awarding baccalaureate degrees. The program has a forecasted application due date of May 11, 2026. The estimated post date for the full funding announcement is February 9, 2026. The estimated award date is March 1, 2027, with projects expected to begin on the same date. There is no indication of any pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper. Matching funds are not required. Deadlines are fixed, and the program appears to be recurring, though explicit recurrence language is not provided beyond the standard NIH program structure. Because this is a forecast, all listed dates are subject to confirmation when the full notice is posted. Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov in accordance with NIH policies. Evaluation criteria are not provided in this forecast but are expected to follow NIH’s standard review process for educational program grants, considering program design, institutional environment, and potential for impact on training future bioengineering researchers. Contact information for inquiries is provided as Tina Gatlin, Ph.D., reachable at gatlincl@nih.gov or by phone at 240-731-3794. This contact serves as the program officer and point of reference for potential applicants. The BRITE program represents NIH’s continuing effort to strengthen the pipeline of future researchers in biomedical imaging and bioengineering by supporting institutions in providing structured, early-stage education and training. Through bridge programs, academic-year coursework and experiences, and summer research placements, it aims to equip undergraduates with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to pursue doctoral training and careers in research fields that address the health-related needs of the nation.