Initiative to Maximize Research Education in Genomics: Diversity Action Plan (R25) | PAR 19 380

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 19 380

The Initiative to Maximize Research Education in Genomics: Diversity Action Plan (R25) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research education grant opportunity administered through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). It uses the NIH Research Education Program (R25) mechanism to fund structured educational activities that align with NIH mission areas, with this specific program focusing on building a stronger and more diverse genomics workforce. The central purpose is to support programs that broaden participation in genomics by preparing students from underrepresented backgrounds to enter and thrive in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research careers connected to genomics.

At the heart of the opportunity is an emphasis on early, meaningful exposure to the foundational sciences and concepts that underpin genomics. The program is designed to reach trainees across multiple training stages, specifically undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and graduate levels. Rather than being limited to one narrow specialty, the announcement frames "genomics" broadly to include the full range of NHGRI interests: genome sciences (basic and computational aspects of genomes and genome function), genomic medicine (how genomics is applied to health and disease), and genomics and society (ethical, legal, social, and broader societal dimensions of genomics). In practical terms, funded programs are expected to create educational experiences that help participants build the knowledge, skills, and professional awareness needed to pursue careers across these domains.

The eligible applicant pool is wide and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations that can carry out education-focused genomics programming. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, and independent school districts, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. Tribal entities are also included, such as federally recognized Native American tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized. The opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), as long as they are not higher education institutions when applying under those nonprofit categories), as well as for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses, and other organizations that meet NIH eligibility requirements. The announcement also highlights additional eligible institution types that are often central to diversity-focused training pipelines, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). Faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions are also listed among eligible applicants, reflecting a broad interest in supporting education programs wherever strong mentoring and training environments can be built.

There are important limitations related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic (non-U.S.) institutions are not eligible to apply. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed. This means the program is intended to be proposed, led, and carried out entirely within eligible U.S.-based organizational structures without foreign components.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity (Funding Instrument: Grant) in the health funding activity category, listed under CFDA number 93.172. The funding opportunity number is PAR-19-380, and the opportunity was created on September 17, 2019. The listed award ceiling is $300,000, indicating the maximum budget level expected per award under the announcement, though actual award amounts can depend on the specific NIH budget guidance and the proposed scope. The original closing date shown is June 27, 2022, which signals that applicants would need to verify whether the announcement has been reissued, extended, or replaced by a newer FOA before preparing an application.

Overall, this R25 opportunity is best understood as support for organized, intentional education programs that strengthen the genomics talent pipeline by reducing barriers for underrepresented students and giving them the scientific grounding, mentoring, and exposure needed to move into genomics research and related careers. It is not framed as a traditional research project grant focused on generating new data; instead, it is meant to develop people through high-quality educational experiences that align with NHGRI priority areas and that measurably advance diversity in the genomics workforce.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Initiative to Maximize Research Education in Genomics: Diversity Action Plan (R25)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.172.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-09-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-06-27. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 19 380

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