NIA MSTEM: Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR) through Undergraduate Education (R25 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 24 135

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 135

The NIA MSTEM: Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR) through Undergraduate Education funding opportunity (PAR-24-135) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA) R25 research education grant designed to build and strengthen undergraduate research education programs focused on aging. The central purpose is to expand and diversify the aging research workforce by reaching students early in their training and giving them meaningful exposure to aging-related science. The program emphasizes serving undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, including students from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences, with the broader goal of increasing representation and strengthening the pipeline into aging research careers.

This NOFO supports the development and implementation of structured research education programs that provide intensive research experiences in aging. In practice, that means institutions can propose programs that immerse undergraduates in real aging research environments, typically through mentored research placements, skills training, and professional development activities that help students understand the landscape of aging research and prepare for next steps. The expected outcome is that participants finish the program better positioned to enter research-focused advanced degree programs (such as PhD or other research-intensive graduate pathways) or to pursue competitive research careers in the private sector in aging-related disciplines. The emphasis is not just on short-term research exposure, but on building readiness, confidence, and credentials that make students strong candidates for future training and employment in the aging research ecosystem.

Clinical trial leadership by participants is not permitted under this announcement. Specifically, the opportunity is classified as "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning undergraduate participants cannot propose or lead their own clinical trials as part of the program. However, the NOFO does allow students to gain research experience related to clinical trials when those trials are led by a mentor or co-mentor. In other words, trainees can be involved in aspects of clinical trial research (for example, data collection, recruitment activities, regulatory exposure, analysis, or related translational work) as part of a larger mentor-led effort, as long as the trainee is not the one directing the trial.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and governmental entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city/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/Indian housing authorities; and Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. The NOFO also allows nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status, when not an institution of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses, as well as other eligible entities identified by NIH. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types that align with the program's diversity and workforce goals, such as 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). It also notes eligible agencies of the federal government, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and Indian/Native American Tribal Governments other than federally recognized.

At the same time, the NOFO draws clear boundaries around foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply, and foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed. These restrictions mean that the applicant organization and supported activities must be fully domestic within the allowable NIH framework for this program.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary grant with a health funding activity category, listed under CFDA 93.866. The opportunity was created on February 22, 2024, and the original closing date provided is May 25, 2026. The listed award ceiling is $375,000. Overall, the program is geared toward building high-quality undergraduate research education and mentored experiences in aging research, with a strong emphasis on broadening participation and strengthening the long-term pipeline into aging science careers.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIA MSTEM: Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR) through Undergraduate Education (R25 - Independent 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): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-25. (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 $375,000.00 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 24 135

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