Final NIH Training Grant Changes Released | Effective Jan. 25, 2025

Training Grant Instruction Changes

Final instructions have been released for NRSA Training Grants submitted on or after January 25th, 2025. A brief overview is provided below, including new guidance on Data Tables, the Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity, training expectations for mentors, and review criteria. 

For a full walkthrough, please watch the following video.

Data Tables

• Lettering. Consistent lettering for training stages (A = pre-docs, B = post-docs, C = short-term, D = undergraduate, I = international)
• Data Tables 1 & 2. Data only required for the training stage(s) reflected in the proposed program (i.e. pre-doc only programs will omit Part II)
• Data Tables 2 & 4. Optional Part II for multi-organizational programs to allow more clear delineation of mentors from each org
• Data Table 5. 
  • Rows will start with name of trainees (renewal) or recent graduates (new applications), rather than the mentor
  • Interim research products (i.e. preprints) allowed to be cited under specific circumstances
• Data Table 6. 
  • Incorporate “Percent from Underrepresented Groups” into Part I
  • Remove Part II. Characteristics including:
    • Pre-docs: Mean Months of Prior, Full-Time Research Experience (range), Prior Institutions, and Mean GPA (range) 
    • Post-docs: Mean Number of Publications (range), Mean Number of First-Author Publications (range), Prior Institutions 
• Data Table 8. Remove Part II, “Those Clearly Associated with the Training Grant”

Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity

• Removed from Program Plan as a separate 3 page max document (not part of the Program Plan’s 25-page limit)

Training Expectations for Mentors

• Formal and ongoing mentor training and periodic refreshers required for all mentors
• Suggested topics: 
  • Aligning expectations
  • Maintaining effective communication
  • Fostering independence
  • Assessing scholars’ understanding of scientific research
  • Enhancing professional development
  • Addressing equity and inclusion
  • Articulating your mentoring philosophy and plan
• Program Faculty section must describe how: 
  • Mentors are trained on evidence-informed practices promoting development for trainees from all backgrounds
  • Mentoring will be monitored

Review Criteria Changes

• New sections that will contribute to the overall impact score:
  • Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research
  • Recruitment Plan to Enhance Diversity

To download the NIH's full instructions and templates please visit the Data Table Forms I website. More details may also be found through NOT-OD-24-129, PA-25-168, and the Updates to NIH Institutional Training Grant Applications webpage. 

Please contact Kelly Lozo at KLozo@mednet.ucla.edu with questions or to discuss how these changes may impact your planned 2025 application.

Transcript