Mentored Research Experiences for Genetic Counselors (R25) | PAR 21 074

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 074

The Mentored Research Experiences for Genetic Counselors (R25) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-21-074) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research education grant designed to strengthen the genomics research pipeline specifically for genetic counselors. Run through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) under the NIH Research Education Program (R25), the grant is meant to support structured, supervised career development experiences that help genetic counselors build real research capability in genomics. The core idea is to move beyond general education and give genetic counselors hands-on, mentored research exposure so they can meaningfully participate in, and eventually lead, future genomics research efforts.

The program emphasizes practical research experiences as the primary focus of proposed activities. That typically means applicants are expected to build programs where genetic counselors can engage directly in genomic research projects under strong mentorship, learning how to contribute to study design, data interpretation, ethical and clinical considerations, and dissemination of results. While the central priority is mentored research participation, the announcement also allows (and encourages) supporting elements as a secondary focus, including mentoring structures and formal coursework or training modules that build key skills for research success. In other words, the FOA is geared toward creating a comprehensive, career-shaping experience that combines active research with intentional skills development, rather than a lecture-only training approach.

A major priority woven throughout the opportunity is broadening participation in genomics research. Applications that show a credible plan and strong potential to recruit genetic counselors from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged. This emphasis signals that NHGRI is looking for programs that not only train individuals effectively, but also intentionally expand who has access to genomics research pathways, mentorship networks, and career development opportunities within the field.

In terms of who can apply, the eligible applicant pool is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governments. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in the nonprofit category listed); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional categories that are especially relevant to education and workforce development efforts, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (other than federally recognized), and U.S. territories or possessions.

There are clear limits on foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. In addition, foreign components, as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. Practically, this means the work supported by this grant must be fully grounded in eligible U.S.-based applicant organizations and cannot route substantive program components through foreign institutions.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant under the health funding activity category and is associated with CFDA number 93.172. The listing shows an award ceiling of $250,000, indicating the maximum funding level anticipated per award under the FOA. The opportunity was created on 2020-12-09, and the original closing date listed is 2023-05-25. The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health.

Overall, this R25 is aimed at building a structured bridge between genetic counseling and genomics research by funding programs that combine immersive mentored research experiences with targeted training and mentoring supports. The intent is to produce genetic counselors who are not only clinically strong, but also research-capable and positioned to contribute leadership, perspective, and expertise to the next generation of genomics studies, with a clear encouragement for programs that broaden access for counselors from diverse backgrounds.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mentored Research Experiences for Genetic Counselors (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 21 074

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: