NIDDK Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA DK 21 023

STEP-UP (NIDDK) Grant Opportunity FAQs

1) What is the NIDDK STEP-UP program?

The Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research education grant opportunity led by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). It supports structured educational and mentoring activities that strengthen and diversify the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce by creating high-quality research exposure for students underrepresented in biomedical research.

2) What type of NIH funding mechanism is STEP-UP?

STEP-UP uses the NIH R25 mechanism (research education grants). This means it is designed to fund organized education, mentoring, and research exposure activities tied to NIH mission areas, rather than a traditional multi-year research project grant.

3) Who is the primary audience or beneficiary of STEP-UP activities?

The program is designed to benefit high school and undergraduate students, with an emphasis on reaching students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in biomedical sciences.

4) Which student groups does STEP-UP aim to serve?

STEP-UP is intended to reach students who are underrepresented in biomedical research, including (as described in the opportunity) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with disabilities.

5) What does STEP-UP fund institutions to do?

STEP-UP funds research institutions to run a national summer research experience program that places students into research settings and surrounds that experience with strong mentoring and educational enrichment designed to support persistence in science and clarify paths into research training and careers.

6) How long is the summer research experience expected to last?

The typical program length described is eight to ten weeks during the summer.

7) What are the core program components expected under STEP-UP?

Based on the description provided, a funded program is expected to include hands-on research experiences, meaningful mentoring, and additional structured enrichment that supports students professional development and persistence in science.

8) What kinds of enrichment activities are mentioned as examples?

Examples listed include career exploration in NIDDK-relevant fields, research skills development, education in responsible conduct of research, and guidance on academic and career next steps.

9) Is this opportunity intended to fund a traditional research project?

No. Because it is an R25 research education grant, the focus is on structured educational and mentoring activities and research exposure, not on supporting a traditional multi-year research project.

10) Are clinical trials allowed under this funding opportunity?

No. The opportunity is explicitly labeled "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning supported activities must not involve proposing or conducting clinical trials as defined by NIH.

11) Who can apply for STEP-UP funding?

Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations and government entities, as described in the opportunity listing.

12) What types of government entities are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city/township governments, and special district governments. Independent school districts are also listed as eligible.

13) Are colleges and universities eligible applicants?

Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible applicants.

14) Are tribal entities eligible to apply?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible, and certain tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments) are also included.

15) Are nonprofits eligible to apply?

Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are listed as eligible applicant categories (with the listing noting exclusions when relevant to institutions of higher education under that category).

16) Can for-profit organizations apply?

Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

17) Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are listed as eligible applicants.

18) Are there specific institution types highlighted as aligned with workforce diversity goals?

Yes. The listing highlights applicant types such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).

19) Are faith-based or community-based organizations mentioned as eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are included among the highlighted eligible applicant types.

20) Are federal agencies eligible to apply?

Eligible federal agencies are mentioned among the highlighted eligible applicant types in the opportunity description.

21) Are U.S. territories or possessions mentioned in the eligibility description?

Yes. The announcement highlights U.S. territories or possessions among the additional eligible applicant types.

22) Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply as the applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.

23) Can a U.S. organization include a non-domestic component as part of the application?

Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the applicant. However, the description states that foreign components are allowed if they meet NIH's definition in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning limited and well-justified international elements can be included in an otherwise eligible application.

24) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this STEP-UP announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number provided is RFA-DK-21-023.

25) What NIH institute leads this opportunity?

The opportunity is led by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

26) What is the Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?

The listing references CFDA (now Assistance Listing) number 93.847.

27) What general funding/activity areas are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized under health-related funding activity areas, including food and nutrition and health, based on the information provided.

28) What is the application closing date listed in the public information?

The original closing date listed was September 1, 2021.

29) Does the provided information list an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The provided public listing information does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.

30) What is the main goal of STEP-UP in simple terms?

The core goal is to fund institutions to create a structured, mentored summer research experience that expands access to research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping build a stronger and more diverse pipeline into NIDDK-relevant research fields.