New G-RISE and IMSD Funding Opportunities and Upcoming Webinar

UPDATE: The video and slides [PDF] from this webinar are now available.

We’re pleased to announce that the notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for the Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (G-RISE; PAR-24-032) and Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD; PAR-24-031) programs have been reissued. These NOFOs aim to strengthen research training environments and promote broader participation in the biomedical research workforce by expanding the pool of well-trained scientists earning a Ph.D., for example, encouraging the inclusion of individuals from underrepresented groups (see Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity).

The new NOFOs have some changes from previous versions:

• Changes to instructions in the Other Attachments and Appendices section.
  • The number of required other attachments is reduced:
    • Only two attachments are required: recruitment plan to enhance diversity and the baseline data on the trainee pool.
    • Two attachments are now optional: advisory committee and training activities.
    • All other attachments from the previous NOFO have been eliminated. Please note that no other attachments may be included in this section, or the application will be withdrawn without review.
  • Requirements for appendices have been eliminated. Applications may only contain appendices that are allowed according to the SF424 Application Guide. Applications that contain any additional appendices will be withdrawn without review.
  • Applicants may incorporate information previously allowed in the attachments and appendices (for example, retention plans, trainee data collection and storage, conflict resolution protocols) into the training program plan as indicated in the NOFOs.
• Changes to the number of required letters of support.
  • The application now requires a single letter of support (instead of two). This letter should address both organizational eligibility and organizational support for the program.
• Changes to the types of applications allowed.
  • Resubmission applications are only accepted for renewal applications.
  • For new applications that are unsuccessful, the applicant can apply again by submitting another new application. In this situation, applicants are encouraged to use constructive feedback from the previous review while following the instructions for new applications (not those for resubmissions).
• Budget section updates.
  • Training-related expenses (TRE) have been increased to $10,000/trainee (IMSD) and $12,5000/trainee (G-RISE).
  • Clarification has been provided that the grant does not set firm limits for allowable TRE-associated costs (for example, salary support or evaluation costs).
• New language to encourage the following:
  • Development of consistent cohort structure within each program.
  • Involvement of the breadth of biomedical research disciplines available at the organization.
  • Faculty training and resources for trainees with disabilities.
  • Trainee feedback, climate evaluation, and confidentiality considerations when evaluating the program.
  • Program director’s/principal investigators’ involvement with day-to-day activities, including trainee interactions.
  • Program oversight, including trainee development, progress, and mentor/mentee relationships.
• New language to clarify that training programs are typically not considered human subjects research.
• Research training program-specific instructions in the Facilities and Other Resources section.

First application due date: January 29, 2024
Earliest start date: February 2025 (IMSD) or May 2025 (G-RISE)

Participants requiring sign language interpretation and/or other reasonable accommodations should submit a request using our contact form at least 5 days prior to the meeting.

NIGMS Staff Participating in the December 19 Webinar:

• Sydella Blatch, G-RISE Program Officer
• Jeremy McIntyre, IMSD and G-RISE Program Officer
• Joyce Stamm, IMSD Program Officer
• Justin Rosenzweig, Grants Management Team Lead
• Sonia Ortiz-Miranda, Scientific Review Officer

If you have any questions about the funding announcements or the upcoming webinar, please visit our answers to frequently asked questions and contact Sydella Blatch (G-RISE), Jeremy McIntyre (G-RISE and IMSD), or Joyce Stamm (IMSD).

The webinar and presentation slides will be posted on G-RISE and IMSD program webpages following the event.

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