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Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) (R38 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US · MD · Bethesda National Institutes of Health (NIH / NHLBI) grant open #RFA-HL-26-012
Response due Jan 10, 2028 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is soliciting applications under the StARR program (RFA-HL-26-012), which uses the R38 award mechanism to support research training opportunities for residents. The program is designed to stimulate access to structured research experiences during medical residency programs. Independent clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this funding opportunity. The opportunity opened in August 2025 and accepts applications through January 2028.

What they want

Applicants must propose research training programs that provide residents with access to structured scientific research experiences. The R38 mechanism funds institutional or individual efforts to integrate research into residency training. Independent clinical trials are excluded; however, research that is ancillary to or in support of clinical trials may be permitted. Awardees are expected to deliver research training activities, mentorship structures, and measurable research productivity outcomes for resident trainees.
Deliverables
  • Structured research training program for medical residents
  • Mentorship framework for resident researchers
  • Research productivity outcomes and reporting
  • Progress reports per NIH requirements
Technical requirements
  • Must use R38 award mechanism
  • Independent clinical trials are not allowed
  • Research must be integrated into a residency training context
  • Compliance with NIH grants policy statement required

How they evaluate

  • Scientific and technical merit
  • Significance and innovation of research training approach
  • Qualifications of investigators and mentors
  • Institutional environment and resources
  • Approach and feasibility
Submission: Grants.gov electronic submission portal

Risks & flags

  • Extremely long open window (Aug 2025 – Jan 2028) may indicate rolling or phased review cycles rather than a single competition — applicants should verify specific submission due dates on NIH ASSIST/Grants.gov
  • Limited scope detail in the synopsis; full FOA should be reviewed for complete requirements

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
NAICS 541714
US market size
$2.0T
Typical award
$25K – $50M
Typical buyers
All federal civilianDoDStates
Commonly required
8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

Stimulating Access to Research in Residenc…
Due Jan 10
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