NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is sponsored by National Institute on Aging (NIA). This program supports one-to-two-year intensive research experiences for recent baccalaureates, with a focus on receipt of mentorship for pursuing future research careers in AD/ADRD. Independent clinical trials are not allowed.

RFA-AG-26-010: NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Components of Participating Organizations Funding Opportunity Title NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) April 4, 2024 - Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025. See Notice NOT-OD-24-084 .

August 31, 2022 - Implementation Changes for Genomic Data Sharing Plans Included with Applications Due on or after January 25, 2023. See Notice NOT-OD-22-198 . August 5, 2022 - Implementation Details for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy.

See Notice NOT-OD-22-189 . July 22, 2019 - Requirement for ORCID iDs for Individuals Supported by Research Training, Fellowship, Research Education, and Career Development Awards Beginning in FY 2020. See Notice NOT-OD-19-109 .

Funding Opportunity Number (FON) Companion Funding Opportunity See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility .

Assistance Listing Number(s) Funding Opportunity Purpose The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH.

The overarching goal of this National Institute on Aging (NIA) R25 program is to support educational activities that compliment and/or enhance training opportunities to ensure a workforce that is well prepared to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs, help recruit individuals with specific specialty or disciplinary backgrounds to research careers in biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences and foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral and clinical research and its implications.

To accomplish the stated over-arching goal, this NOFO will support educational activities with a primary focus on: This Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) invites R25 applications to support the development and implementation of research education programs for recent baccalaureates.

It is essential to expand and broaden the skilled Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) research workforce and provide exposure to AD/ADRD research to individuals early in their careers.

The proposed research education programs will support intensive research experiences in the AD/ADRD field with the goal of preparing recent baccalaureates to transition into strong, research-focused advanced degree programs or competitive private sector research careers in AD-related disciplines.

This NOFO does not allow participants to lead an independent clinical trial, but does allow them to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Funding Opportunity Announcement Goal(s) To encourage biomedical, social, and behavioral research and research training directed toward greater understanding of the aging process and the diseases, special problems, and needs of people as they age.

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) AIDS - New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision, as allowed All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

No late applications will be accepted for this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide , except where instructed to do otherwise (in this NOFO or in a Notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ).

Conformance to all requirements (both in the How to Apply - Application Guide and the NOFO) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV . When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the How to Apply - Application Guide , follow the program-specific instructions.

Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. There are several options available to submit your application through Grants. gov to NIH and Department of Health and Human Services partners.

You must use one of these submission options to access the application forms for this opportunity. Use the NIH ASSIST system to prepare, submit and track your application online. Use an institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution to prepare and submit your application to Grants.

gov and eRA Commons to track your application. Check with your institutional officials regarding availability. Workspace to prepare and submit your application and eRA Commons to track your application.

Part 1. Overview Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Other Award Budget Information Section III. Eligibility Information Section IV.

Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI. Award Administration Information Section VII.

Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2. Full Text of Announcement Section I.

Funding Opportunity Description The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research educational activities that complement other formal training programs in the mission areas of the NIH Institutes and Centers.

A major goal of the National Plan to address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Dementias (ADRD) is to reduce the burden of AD/ADRD by accelerating research toward treatments, improving care and support for people facing these conditions now, and reducing the risk of AD/ADRD by promoting brain health.

Despite this, there is a shortage of scientists conducting the wide variety of necessary innovative and interdisciplinary research projects, including basic biomedical, behavioral, clinical, translational, prevention, and treatment research on AD/ADRD. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to support the recruitment of early-stage investigators to the NIH AD/ADRD portfolio.

This NOFO also aims to address the lack of early exposure to high-quality, hands-on research education experiences in the AD/ADRD field, another major barrier to increasing the AD/ADRD capable workforce. To further expand the AD/ADRD research workforce pathways, NIA will support one-to-two-year intensive research experiences for recent baccalaureates, with a focus on receipt of mentorship for pursuing future research careers.

The expectation is that such a program would help to transition the next generation of early-stage investigators into research careers representative of NIA mission-critical areas, namely AD/ADRD research, including frontotemporal, Lewy body, and vascular dementia. Proposed programs are expected to involve participants in independent research projects in AD/ADRD as they relate to aging.

Participants must work as research postbaccalaureates at nine person-months (75% full-time) effort, with the other three person-months (25% full-time effort) devoted to further academic and professional development. Academic development opportunities may include courses, seminars, or supplemental instruction that will enhance the technical, operational, and professional skills of the participants.

Training in rigor and reproducibility is required. Professional development opportunities may include entrance exam preparation and conference and workshop participation. Program training objectives and mentoring activities should be grounded in literature and enable participants to pursue advanced degrees and other research-related science career opportunities.

Focus on Postbaccalaureates: Postbaccalaureate programs consist of studies pursued after the completion of one's bachelor’s degree, but before entering an advanced degree program, such as a master's, doctoral, or clinical degree program.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports an increased number of prospective medical students taking time off between the completion of their undergraduate education and enrollment in medical school. While students may take these gap years for a variety of reasons and be involved in a range of activities, almost half of such students report being involved in research during this time.

Literature shows that postbaccalaureate research programs enable recent graduates to pursue advanced degrees and other research-related science career opportunities. All programs are expected to provide opportunities for participants to interact with investigators who could contribute to their growth. Applications from a variety of institutions are encouraged.

Applicants should consider how the developed programs can optimize participation and potentially include additional participants from outside the applicant institution, especially those in local and/or affiliated institutions. Applicants must demonstrate how this program will add significant value over existing programs at the applicant institution.

Each institution must have a unique program structure that maximizes resources, departments, and faculty at the applicant institution. Applicants are encouraged to propose collaborations with affiliated and/or local institutions, as appropriate.

Applicants are also encouraged to partner with existing NIH-funded or other federally funded resources and programs and leverage research education activities from both federal and private-sector partners including, but not limited to, the following: Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ARDCs) Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) Edward R.

Roybal Centers for Translation Research in the Behavioral and Social Sciences of Aging NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Non-Responsiveness Criteria Applications that propose programs primarily outside of AD/ADRD research, have a general STEM focus, or that do not focus on participants with a baccalaureate degree, will be considered non-responsive to this NOFO and will be withdrawn prior to review.

Research education programs may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, but the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those training and education programs currently receiving federal support. R25 programs may augment institutional research training programs (e.g., T32, T90), but cannot be used to replace or circumvent Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) programs. See Section VIII. Other Information for award authorities and regulations.

Section II. Award Information Grant: A financial assistance mechanism providing money, property, or both to an eligible entity to carry out an approved project or activity. Application Types Allowed The OER Glossary and the How to Apply - Application Guide provide details on these application types.

Only those application types listed here are allowed for this NOFO. Not Allowed: Only accepting applications that do not propose clinical trial(s). Note: Appointed participants are permitted to obtain research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

Need help determining whether you are doing a clinical trial? Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards NIA intends to commit $2,000,000 respectively in FY 2027 and FY 2028 to fund up to 5 new awards each year. Direct costs up to $400,000 per year may be requested.

The scope of the proposed project period should determine the project period. The maximum period is five years. Other Award Budget Information Individuals designing, directing, and implementing the research education program may request salary and fringe benefits appropriate for the person months devoted to the program.

Salaries requested may not exceed the levels commensurate with the institution's policy for similar positions and may not exceed the congressionally mandated cap. (If mentoring interactions and other activities with participants are considered a regular part of an individual's academic duties, then any costs associated with the mentoring and other interactions with participants are not allowable costs from grant funds).

Applications may request up to twelve postbaccalaureate positions for each year of the grant for individuals to engage in mentored research experiences. Remuneration for ERA Postbacc participants is through salary and wages. The total compensation package for participants can include fringe benefits, and tuition remission and fees (if applicable and necessary for the program).

ERA Postbacc participants will be required to work as research postbaccalaureates devoting a minimum of 9 person-months (75% of full-time professional effort), and the remaining 3 person-months (25% effort) will be for further professional or academic development.

In order for the participant to receive this compensation, the following conditions must be met: The ERA participant must be performing necessary work relevant to the proposed research experience. There must be an employee-employer relationship between the participant and the university. The total compensation must be reasonable for the work performed.

It is the institution's practice to provide commensurate compensation for all individuals in similar circumstances, regardless of the source of support for the activity. Other Program-Related Expenses Consultant costs, equipment, supplies, travel for key persons, and other program-related expenses may be included in the proposed budget.

These expenses must be justified as specifically required by the proposed program and must not duplicate items generally available at the applicant institution. Limited program evaluation costs are allowed up to a maximum of $3,000 per year. This includes salaries for evaluation consultants, if any.

Reasonable expenses per participant may be requested to support participant travel to the research site or to a domestic scientific conference. Indirect Costs (also known as Facilities & Administrative [F&A] Costs) are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of tuition and fees, expenditures for equipment and consortium costs in excess of $25,000), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.

NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made from this NOFO. Section III.

Eligibility Information Higher Education Institutions - Includes all types Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education Private Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education) For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses) City or Township Governments Special District Governments Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) U.S. Territory or Possession Independent School Districts Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Faith-based or Community-based Organizations The sponsoring institution must assure support for the proposed program.

Appropriate institutional commitment to the program includes the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned program. Institutions with existing Ruth L.

Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) institutional training grants (e.g., T32) or other Federally funded training programs may apply for a research education grant provided that the proposed educational experiences are distinct from those training programs receiving federal support.

In many cases, it is anticipated that the proposed research education program will complement ongoing research training occurring at the applicant institution. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement , are not allowed.

Applicant organizations must complete and maintain the following registrations as described in the How to Apply - Application Guide to be eligible to apply for or receive an award. All registrations must be completed prior to the application being submitted. Registration can take 6 weeks or more, so applicants should begin the registration process as soon as possible.

Failure to complete registrations in advance of a due date is not a valid reason for a late submission, please reference NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2. 3. 9.

2 Electronically Submitted Applications for additional information. System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually . The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration.

SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code. NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code – Foreign organizations must obtain an NCAGE code (in lieu of a CAGE code) in order to register in SAM. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – A UEI is issued as part of the SAM.

gov registration process. The same UEI must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application. eRA Commons - Once the unique organization identifier is established, organizations can register with eRA Commons in tandem with completing their Grants.

gov registration; all registrations must be in place by time of submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application. Grants.

gov – Applicants must have an active SAM registration in order to complete the Grants. gov registration. Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PD(s)/PI(s)) All PD(s)/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account.

PD(s)/PI(s) should work with their organizational officials to either create a new account or to affiliate their existing account with the applicant organization in eRA Commons. If the PD/PI is also the organizational Signing Official, they must have two distinct eRA Commons accounts, one for each role. Obtaining an eRA Commons account can take up to 2 weeks.

Eligible Individuals (Program Director/Principal Investigator) Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) is invited to work with their organization to develop an application for support.

For institutions/organizations proposing multiple PDs/PIs, visit the Multiple Program Director/Principal Investigator Policy and submission details in the Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded) Component of the How to Apply - Application Guide .

The PD/PI should be an established investigator in the scientific area in which the application is targeted and capable of providing both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. The PD/PI will be expected to monitor and assess the program and submit all documents and reports as required.

NIA encourages multiple PD(s)/PI(s), particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance the research education program. The PD(s)/PI(s) must be able to provide both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program.

At least one of the PD(s)/PI(s) should be an investigator with an active research program in an AD/ADRD-related discipline (e.g., as demonstrated by recent publications and current research support).

Additional PD(s)/PI(s), including individuals with expertise in the science of education, relevant social science disciplines, program evaluation, mentoring, experience in expanding and broadening participation in the AD/ADRD research workforce, or university administration may be included to achieve the program goals. Any of the PD(s)/PI(s) may serve as the contact PD/PI.

This NOFO does not require cost sharing as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 1. 2 Definition of Terms . 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided that each application is scientifically distinct. NIH will not accept duplicate or highly overlapping applications under review at the same time per NIH Grants Policy Statement Section 2. 3.

7. 4 Submission of Resubmission Application . This means that the NIH will not accept: A new (A0) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of an overlapping new (A0) or resubmission (A1) application.

A resubmission (A1) application that is submitted before issuance of the summary statement from the review of the previous new (A0) application. An application that has substantial overlap with another application pending appeal of initial peer review. ( see NIH Grants Policy Statement 2.

3. 9. 4 Similar, Essentially Identical, or Identical Applications ) Researchers from a variety of scientific backgrounds are encouraged to participate as preceptors/mentors.

Mentors must have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program. Mentors must be committed to continue their involvement throughout the total period of the mentee’s participation in this award. Unless strongly justified on the basis of exceptional relevance to NIH, research education programs should be used primarily for the education of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Additionally, participants must have a baccalaureate degree. Section IV. Application and Submission Information 1.

Requesting an Application Package The application forms package specific to this opportunity must be accessed through ASSIST, Grants. gov Workspace or an institutional system-to-system solution. Links to apply using ASSIST or Grants.

gov Workspace are available in Part 1 of this NOFO. See your administrative office for instructions if you plan to use an institutional system-to-system solution. 2.

Content and Form of Application Submission It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide , except where instructed in this Notice of Funding Opportunity to do otherwise. Conformance to the requirements in the How to Apply - Application Guide is required and strictly enforced.

Applications that are out of compliance with these instructions will not be reviewed. Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. By the date listed in Part 1.

Overview Information , prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information: Descriptive title of proposed activity Name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the PD(s)/PI(s) Names of other key personnel Participating institution(s) Number and title of this funding opportunity The letter of intent should be sent to: National Institute on Aging (NIA) All page limitations described in the How to Apply - Application Guide and the Table of Page Limits must be followed.

Instructions for Application Submission The following section supplements the instructions found in the How to Apply - Application Guide and should be used for preparing an application to this NOFO. Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide . SF424(R&R) Project/Performance Site Locations Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide .

SF424(R&R) Other Project Information Component Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide with the following additional modifications: Facilities & Other Resources. Describe the educational environment, including the facilities, laboratories, participating departments, computer services, and any other resources to be used in the development and implementation of the proposed program.

List all thematically related sources of support for research training and education following the format for Current and Pending Support. Appropriate institutional commitment should include the provision of adequate staff, facilities, and educational resources that can contribute to the planned research education program. Advisory Committee: An Advisory Committee is strongly encouraged as a component of the Research Education program.

If an Advisory Committee is intended, provide a plan for the appointment of an Advisory Committee to monitor progress of the research education program. The composition, roles, responsibilities, and desired expertise of committee members, frequency of committee meetings, and other relevant information should be included. Describe how the Advisory Committee will evaluate the overall effectiveness of the program.

New applications should not include the names of proposed Advisory Committee members, and proposed members should not be contacted prior to peer review. Please name your file Advisory_Committee. pdf.

Program Faculty Biosketches : Biosketches of Program Faculty must be included. The personal statement should describe a commitment to scientific rigor, training, mentoring, as well as promoting supportive scientific environments. Please upload all the biosketches as a single PDF and name your file Program Faculty Biosketches.

pdf . The filename provided for each Other Attachment will be the name used for the bookmark in the electronic application in eRA Commons. SF424(R&R) Senior/Key Person Profile Expanded Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide .

Describe the qualifications of the PD(s)/PI(s), collaborators, and other researchers without duplicating information in the biographical sketches. Describe the experience and training of key personnel in the early stages of their independent careers. Describe the ongoing record of accomplishments of established investigators that have advanced their field(s).

Senior/Key Personnel profiles must collectively reflect strong evidence of the following: The ability of the PD(s)/PI(s) to provide both administrative and scientific leadership to the development and implementation of the proposed program. An appropriate level of effort will be devoted by the program leadership to ensure the program's intended goal is accomplished.

If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, the investigators' complementary and integrated expertise, leadership approach, governance, and organizational structure as appropriate for the proposed project.

Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide with the following additional modifications: Include all personnel other than the PD(s)/PI(s) in the Other Personnel section, including clerical and administrative staff. Use the section on Participant/Trainee Support Costs to include all allowable categories of funds requested to support participants in the program.

PHS 398 Cover Page Supplement Follow all instructions provided in the How to Apply - Application Guide .

All instructions in the How to Apply - Application Guide must be followed, with the following additional instructions: Research Strategy section must be used to upload the Research Education Program Plan , which must include the following components described below: Proposed Research Education Program Program Director/Principal Investigator Institutional Environment and Commitment Plan for Instruction in Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility Plan for Instruction in the Responsible Conduct of Research Research Education Program Plan Proposed Research Education Program.

While the proposed research education program may complement ongoing research training and education occurring at the applicant institution, the proposed educational experiences must be distinct from those research training and research education programs currently receiving federal support.

When research training programs are on-going in the same department, the applicant organization should clearly distinguish between the activities in the proposed research education program and the research training supported by the training program.

Program Rationale, Mission, Objectives, and Overall Research Education Plan : Applications must include the rationale for the proposed NIA ERA program as well as the feasibility of success in the context of the institutional setting. Describe and summarize relevant institutional and externally sponsored programs at the participating institution within the last five years.

Specifically, the application should describe the following: The program mission (i.e., broad statement of purpose of the program), and objectives (i.e., specific measurable outcomes the program intends to achieve). Objectives should include, but not be limited to, program completion rates, and the rate of transitioning into AD/ADRD-focused careers or advanced degree programs.

The application must describe how the activities will employ evidence to inform approaches to post-baccalaureate participant learning, critical thinking, mentorship, and professional development. The rationale and strategies used for selecting participants and a clear description of why the participants selected would benefit from additional preparation prior to applying to AD/ADRD-focused research positions or advanced degree programs.

The application must describe the activities that will build a strong cohort of research-oriented post-baccalaureate participants while enhancing the science identity, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging among the cohort members.

Professional Development : The application should describe how the program participants will: Be provided with adequate and appropriate information regarding the variety of careers in the biomedical and behavioral research workforce for which their training would be useful; and Learn the skills, knowledge, and steps needed to attain positions in the sectors of the AD research workforce that are of interest to them.

Program Oversight, Participating Faculty Selection, and Mentor Training: The application must include the planned strategy and administrative structure to select faculty, ensure faculty participate in training in mentorship, match participants to appropriate participating faculty, and oversee and monitor the program and to ensure appropriate participant progress.

All programs must have a mechanism to monitor mentoring, including oversight of the effectiveness of the participant/faculty match, and a plan for removing faculty displaying unacceptable mentorship qualities from the research education program. If a program will utilize an Advisory Committee for oversight, provide details in the Advisory Committee attachment.

If a program coordinator or administrator position is planned to enhance oversight, a description of the person's administrative capabilities that are essential to coordinate the program must be included in the application. Program Director/Principal Investigator. Describe arrangements for administration of the program.

Provide evidence that the Program Director/Principal Investigator is actively engaged in research and/or teaching in an area related to the mission of NIH, and can organize, administer, monitor, and evaluate the research education program. For programs proposing multiple PDs/PIs, describe the complementary and integrated expertise of the PDs/PIs, their leadership approach, and governance appropriate for the planned project.

NIA encourages multiple PD(s)/PI(s) (MPI), particularly when each brings a unique perspective and skill set that will enhance the research education program as described in the Eligible Individuals section above.

The application must expand on the information in the biosketch(es) to address how the PD/PI or PD/PI team has the following: The administrative and training experience and skills to provide strong leadership, direction, management, and administration of the proposed research education program; The time to commit sufficient effort to ensure the program’s success given other professional obligations (the application should indicate the program director’s effort in person months in the proposed program); At least one member who has scientific expertise in AD/ADRD and who has a record of using rigorous and transparent methods in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and reporting; A demonstrated commitment to the development of the next generation of AD/ADRD research workforce, leading efforts to expand and broaden participation in biomedical and behavioral sciences, and fostering supportive research environments.

The PD(s)/PI(s) must receive training on how to effectively mentor postbaccalaureate participants. The administrative structure and leadership succession plan for critical positions (e.g., PD(s)/PI(s)). Program Faculty.

Researchers from a variety of scientific backgrounds are encouraged to participate as program faculty. Faculty should have research expertise and experience relevant to the proposed program and demonstrate a history of, or the potential for, their intended roles.

The application must address the following: Whether the participating faculty have sufficient time to commit to the research education program given their other professional obligations; Whether the participating faculty have a record of conducting ethically sound and responsible scientific research; How the participating faculty receive training in the use of effective, evidence-informed mentoring and teaching practices that promote the development of post-baccalaureate participants; How the participating faculty demonstrate a commitment to effective mentoring and to promoting supportive scientific and training environments; How the participating faculty are evaluated as mentors and teachers; and Whether the applicant institution is engaged in recruitment efforts to expand and broaden the pool of prospective program faculty.

Program Participants. The application must describe the steps to be taken to engage postbaccalaureate participants. Describe how the program will identify eligible recent baccalaureates interested in AD/ADRD research.

Program candidates must have the potential to strongly benefit from, and with proper support, succeed in the program and transition into rigorous research-oriented AD/ADRD-related careers or advanced degree programs. Applications must explain why participants will strongly benefit from participating in the NIA ERA program rather than going directly to research positions or advanced degree granting programs.

Institutional Environment and Commitment. Describe any additional aspects of the Institutional Environment and Commitment not addressed under “Facilities