Research Experiences in Genomic Research for Data Scientists (R25) | PAR 21 075

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 075

The Research Experiences in Genomic Research for Data Scientists (R25) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-21-075) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research education grant administered through NHGRI and designed to strengthen the genomics workforce by funding structured, hands-on training experiences in genomic data science. It sits within the NIH Research Education Program (R25), which supports educational activities tied to NIH mission areas. The central purpose of this specific FOA is to provide substantive research experiences in genomic data science for masters-level students who are not enrolled in a doctoral program, helping them build practical research skills, confidence, and a clearer pathway into genomics-related research careers or further study.

The program is driven by two main objectives. First, it aims to encourage participation from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people from groups historically underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, by creating research experiences that genuinely support persistence and advancement in the field. Second, it targets recruitment of trainees who bring specific specialty or disciplinary backgrounds (for example, computing, statistics, engineering, mathematics, or other data-centered fields) and helps them transition into genomic data science research while gaining a stronger understanding of genomics and its broader implications. In other words, the FOA is not only about training people who already see themselves as “genomics researchers,” but also about building bridges for data scientists and related specialists to enter genomics and contribute meaningfully.

In terms of what applicants are expected to propose, the FOA prioritizes “Research Experiences” as the primary educational activity. That emphasis signals that funded programs should be built around real research engagement rather than being mostly classroom-based. At the same time, applicants are allowed and encouraged to include supporting elements as secondary activities, particularly Courses for Skills Development (such as targeted instruction in genomics, computational methods, data analysis practices, responsible conduct, or related competencies) and Mentoring Activities (structured mentoring plans, advising networks, professional development, and similar supports that help trainees succeed during and after the experience). The overall intent is to combine practical research exposure with the skill-building and mentorship needed to make that exposure productive and career-shaping.

Eligibility to apply is broad across U.S.-based organizations, reflecting the program’s workforce-development goals. Eligible applicants include various levels of government (state, county, city/township, and special district governments), federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations that are not federally recognized, independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional eligible organization types that align with its diversity and capacity-building focus, 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), as well as faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, and U.S. territories or possessions.

There are clear restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined by NIH policy) are not permitted. These limits keep the supported training and program infrastructure firmly within eligible U.S. settings.

From the funding details provided, the award is a discretionary grant in the NIH health funding category (CFDA 93.172) with an award ceiling listed at $250,000. The opportunity was created on 2020-12-09, and the original closing date listed is 2023-05-25. While the expected number of awards is not specified in the provided text, the structure and ceiling suggest a program-level education and training grant intended to fund a defined set of activities (research placements/experiences plus training and mentoring supports) rather than an individual fellowship.

Overall, this R25 opportunity is best understood as a mechanism for institutions and eligible organizations to create well-designed, research-intensive training experiences that bring masters students into genomic data science research, widen participation from underrepresented groups, and attract talented people from data-centric disciplines into genomics by giving them mentorship, skills training, and hands-on project experience that can translate into longer-term research trajectories.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research Experiences in Genomic Research for Data Scientists (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 2020-12-09.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-05-25. (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 $250,000.00 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 21 075

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