NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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. 

The overarching goal of this NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program is to support educational activities that increase understanding of biomedical research among pre-college (pre-kindergarten to grade 12) individuals, and to encourage awareness of and continued interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

SEPA supports education projects across two types of settings: 

1. Classroom-based education projects for pre-kindergarten to grade 12 (pre-college) students and teachers
2. Informal science education (ISE) projects conducted outside traditional classroom settings.  

Applications focused on quantitative and computational skills development are strongly encouraged. Applications from resource-limited institutions are also highly encouraged.

A SEPA application may focus on one or more of the following activities related to any area of biomedical research within NIH’s mission: 

• Courses for Skills Development: Courses in a specific discipline or research area that extend the STEM content normally taught in schools. 
• Research Experiences: Hands-on exposure to research for pre-college students and teachers. 
• Mentoring Activities: Providing participants with a perspective on biomedical research pathways and tools for overcoming challenges, navigating career transition points, and successfully transitioning into careers in the biomedical research workforce.
• Curriculum or Methods Development: STEM education resources to improve biomedical science education or develop novel instructional approaches or computer-based educational tools.
• Outreach: Dissemination of STEM education resources or biomedical research findings to students and teachers. 

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. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate Scientific/Research Contact listed in Section VII. Agency Contacts to determine appropriate mission fit with participating institutes and centers.