The SuRE program is designed for institutions that meet specific institutional and funding criteria. These include awarding bachelor or graduate degrees in biomedical sciences, enrolling significant numbers of students from backgrounds nationally underrepresented in biomedical research, and receiving limited NIH Research Project Grant funding.
NIH SuRE R16 Grants
SuRE R16 grants through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) support research capacity building at eligible institutions to increase funding success and enrich the campus research environment. Educating an underserved student population while obtaining limited NIH research funding qualifies an institution to apply for two investigator-initiated funding opportunities—SuRE and SuRE-First. Each SuRE R16 grant mechanism has two annual submission deadlines, with the due dates being the same. The next deadline for SuRE and SuRE-First applications is Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The NIH SuRE program provides research support to faculty investigators and helps qualifying institutions build research capacity to advance scientific discoveries and enrich the academic experience. These experiences motivate students from diverse backgrounds to pursue biomedical careers, adding their perspectives to our national scientific workforce.
Spring Application Deadline
May 28, 2025
The spring deadline for both SuRE and SuRE-First applications is Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
R16 Awards
SuRE
May 28 Due Date
For tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty with prior research experience not currently funded by an NIH RPG grant, with the exception of SCORE or SuRE grants. Those eligible for SuRE-First who do not want to commit six calendar months of effort may also apply.
SuRE-First
May 28 Due Date
For tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty without experience leading externally-funded, independent research.
APPLICATION UPDATES
PEDP Attachment
The NIH now requires that an attachment called a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspective (PEDP) be included with all R16 submissions. This is a summary of strategies to advance the scientific and technical merit of the proposed project through inclusivity. The PEDP is submitted as a one-page "Other Attachment" to be included in grant applications. You may learn more by visiting this NIH page on PEDPs.
Deadlines
Each SuRE R16 grant mechanism has two annual submission deadlines, with the due dates being the same. Below are the dates for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
| Year | Spring Deadline | Fall Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 29 | Sept 27 |
| 2025 | May 28 | Sept 29 |
| 2026 | May 27 | Sept 28 |
The SuRE Resource Center - GETTING STARTED
Working closely with the NIH, the SuRE Resource Center provides grant writing training and personal consultation to help faculty and staff at SuRE-eligible institutions overcome barriers to secure research funding. In addition to guiding participants step-by-step through the complex funding process, our free program provides competitive seed grants to institutions to improve on-site research development efforts.
About Eligibility
Regional Coordinator Assistance
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
Have questions about your institution’s SuRE eligibility? If so, we’re here to help. Please feel free to submit a request for one of our Regional Coordinators to contact you. They will be happy to provide guidance and answer your questions about SuRE.
Bootcamp Training
View our six grantsmanship training sessions as you prepare for the spring SuRE R16 application deadline of May 28, 2025.