Genome Research Experiences to Attract Talented Undergraduates into Genomic Fields to Enhance Diversity (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA HG 22 004

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 22 004

The Genome Research Experiences to Attract Talented Undergraduates into Genomic Fields to Enhance Diversity (GREAT) Program is an NIH Research Education Program (R25) funding opportunity from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Its central purpose is to build strong, practical training pathways that help undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, especially those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical workforce, move into advanced training and long-term careers connected to genomics. The program is intentionally broad about what "genomics careers" can look like, supporting preparation not only for scientific and medical research roles, but also for work in the ethical, social, and legal dimensions of genomics, where workforce diversity is also needed.

This opportunity prioritizes hands-on, skills-based educational programming rather than traditional lecture-only approaches. The FOA emphasizes research experiences and course-based training that directly develops competencies students need to succeed in genomics-related environments, such as learning research methods, building quantitative and analytical skills, gaining familiarity with genomic technologies and data, and understanding how genomics intersects with society. While specific curricula can vary, the direction is clear: applicants are expected to propose creative, structured research education activities that make undergraduates more competitive and better prepared for graduate programs, professional schools, or entry into genomics-oriented career pipelines.

A defining feature of the GREAT Program is the required collaborative partnership model. Projects are designed to connect students enrolled at minority-serving institutions (MSIs) or Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-eligible institutions with research-intensive institutions or organizations that have a strong research base and an environment suitable for graduate-level training in areas aligned with NHGRI interests. In practice, this means the MSI or IDeA-eligible partner helps recruit, support, and mentor participating undergraduates, while the research-intensive partner contributes depth in research infrastructure, active genomics projects, specialized mentorship, and exposure to advanced training environments. The partnership structure is meant to reduce barriers to access, expand professional networks, and provide sustained research engagement that students might not otherwise be able to obtain.

Eligibility reflects this emphasis on institutional collaboration and broad participation. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other eligible entities, as allowed under NIH rules. The FOA explicitly recognizes a range of MSI categories that can be part of these partnerships, 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), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). U.S. territories or possessions are also included as eligible. At the same time, the opportunity clearly excludes non-U.S. applicants and 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 the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant mechanism under the NIH R25 activity (research education), and it is labeled "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning the supported activities cannot include clinical trials as defined by NIH. The funding opportunity number is RFA-HG-22-004, associated with CFDA 93.172. The original application closing date listed is 2024-07-01. Overall, the grant is designed to strengthen the genomics pipeline by creating high-quality undergraduate research education experiences, anchored in partnerships that connect under-resourced or historically excluded student populations with robust genomics research ecosystems and mentorship networks.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Genome Research Experiences to Attract Talented Undergraduates into Genomic Fields to Enhance Diversity (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" 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 2022-01-20.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA HG 22 004

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