Support for Research Excellence First Independent Research (SuRE-First) Award

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and in partnership with other NIH Institutes and Centers, has announced a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Support for Research Excellence – First Independent Research (SuRE-First) Award. This grant is designed to support investigator-initiated research by full-time faculty at resource-limited institutions. The overarching aim is to bolster the scientific research culture at these institutions and provide students with meaningful undergraduate and/or graduate research experiences. Eligible applicants must be institutions of higher education that offer undergraduate or graduate degrees in biomedical sciences. Furthermore, they must not have received more than six million dollars annually from NIH Research Project Grants (RPGs) in each of the two fiscal years preceding the application date. Additionally, these institutions must demonstrate that at least 25% of their undergraduate students were supported by Pell grants, using data from the most recent two years available from the IPEDS database. This forecasted opportunity is discretionary in nature, with the estimated official announcement (post) date set for July 25, 2025. Interested applicants should prepare for a projected application due date of September 25, 2025, with anticipated award and project start dates both slated for July 1, 2026. Currently, applications are not being accepted; however, the forecast serves to encourage early preparation and the development of collaborations among potential applicants. Key objectives of the SuRE-First Award include the enhancement of the scientific research environment at underfunded institutions and the provision of research opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access. Notably, this opportunity is geared toward faculty members who have never previously received independent, peer-reviewed external research grants, positioning it as a strategic initiative to diversify and expand the research capacity of institutions traditionally underserved by NIH funding. For additional information or inquiries, interested parties are directed to contact Pauline Cupit, Ph.D., at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, reachable via email at pauline.cupit@nih.gov or by phone at 301-594-8494. This forecasted NOFO is listed under the assistance listing number 93.859, which pertains to Biomedical Research and Research Training.