International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award (R25) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award (R25)?

The International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award (R25) is an NIH research education grant opportunity (PAR-16-081) that supports education and curriculum development activities aimed at strengthening research ethics capacity. It is part of the NIH Research Education Program (R25), which funds educational activities that align with NIH mission areas.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to build and strengthen sustainable, locally anchored research ethics expertise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program emphasizes expanding advanced training and curriculum development in research ethics at research-intensive institutions located in LMICs, so institutions can provide high-quality training locally rather than relying primarily on training outside their countries.

Who is this program intended to benefit?

The program is intended to equip scientists, health professionals, and academics in LMIC settings with advanced, practical expertise in research ethics. It is designed to help trainees and graduates apply ethical standards in real-world settings and contribute to stronger institutional practices related to ethical research conduct.

What kinds of research does the ethics training focus on?

The emphasis is on ethical principles, processes, and policies shaping international clinical research and public health research, including biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research contexts. The program highlights the practical ethical issues that can arise in cross-border studies, research involving vulnerable populations, and research conducted within differing legal and cultural frameworks.

What types of activities does the R25 support under this opportunity?

This opportunity supports structured education and curriculum-focused efforts in research ethics. The emphasis is on advanced training and curriculum development, with an expectation that programs build competencies that extend beyond basic classroom instruction.

What competencies or outcomes are expected from supported programs?

Supported activities are expected to strengthen the ability to deliver research ethics education, provide ethical review leadership, and offer expert consultation. Programs are expected to produce trainees and graduates who can thoughtfully apply ethical standards, navigate complex ethical situations, and serve as leaders and resources for researchers, institutions, government bodies, and international research organizations working in LMIC environments.

Why does the opportunity emphasize LMIC institutions delivering training locally?

A key emphasis is increasing the number of LMIC institutions that can deliver high-quality, advanced education in research ethics. The underlying intention is to create sustainable local capacity and reduce reliance on training that occurs primarily outside LMICs, strengthening local research systems over time.

How does this program strengthen research systems over time?

By developing local leadership and practical capacity for ethical review and consultation, the program aims to improve the quality and integrity of research environments in LMICs. The long-term effect is stronger institutional practice around ethical research conduct and more robust systems for planning, reviewing, and conducting international clinical and public health research.

What is the funding mechanism for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant mechanism under the NIH Research Education Program (R25).

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $230,000.

When was this opportunity posted, and what is the listed closing date?

The opportunity was posted and created on January 13, 2016. The listed closing date is May 17, 2018.

Which organizations are eligible to apply based on the information provided?

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments).

Which agency is sponsoring this opportunity?

The sponsoring agency is HHS-NIH (listed as HHS-NIH11).

How is the funding activity categorized?

The funding activity is categorized under health.

What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA numbers listed are 93.172, 93.855, and 93.989.

What does success look like for a funded program under this opportunity?

Success is tied to building advanced, usable research ethics expertise within LMIC institutions, producing graduates and trainees who can provide ethics education, ethical review leadership, and consultation, and strengthening institutional and broader research environments where international clinical and public health research is designed, reviewed, and carried out.

Is the program focused only on teaching ethics concepts in a classroom setting?

No. While education and curriculum development are central, the opportunity explicitly emphasizes building critical competencies beyond basic classroom instruction, including leadership in ethical review and the ability to provide expert consultation in real-world research settings.

How does the opportunity address challenges in international or cross-border research?

It focuses on the ethical challenges that occur when research crosses borders or is conducted across different legal and cultural settings, including studies involving vulnerable populations. The intent is to prepare trainees to apply ethical principles and policies thoughtfully in these complex situations.