The NIH R16 Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) mechanism is designed to strengthen research environments at institutions that serve students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research and that have not received substantial NIH funding. Through SuRE (R16) and SuRE-First (R16) programs, NIH supports faculty as they build competitive, independent research programs while also engaging students in mentored research experiences that broaden participation in the scientific workforce.

The R16 mechanism specifically supports research at institutions that award associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees but are not major recipients of NIH research project grants. Programs under this mechanism aim to increase both the research capacity of the institution and the success of faculty investigators competing for future NIH funding.

Two main opportunity types exist:

• SuRE (R16): supports investigators who have prior independent research funding or publications and are building or sustaining a competitive research program.

• SuRE-First (R16): supports investigators who have not yet received independent NIH funding, helping launch their first externally funded research program.

R16 awards typically provide up to four years of support, with budgets that vary by institute and funding opportunity announcement. They generally cover salary support, student research involvement, supplies, and other project-related expenses necessary to establish or expand a productive research program. A defining feature of R16 programs is the emphasis on student participation in hands-on research and enhancement of the institution’s overall research culture.

Competitive R16 proposals clearly demonstrate:

• a strong scientific premise and feasible research plan

• meaningful involvement of undergraduate or graduate students in research

• commitment by the institution to develop and sustain research infrastructure

• faculty potential to compete successfully for subsequent NIH awards

• benefit to students from groups underrepresented in biomedical research

Review criteria include scientific merit, investigator capability, institutional environment, research training potential, and alignment with SuRE program goals. Because R16 awards are both research and capacity-building mechanisms, proposals must successfully integrate student development, institutional strengthening, and impactful science.

At ScienceDocs, our team includes former NIH reviewers, study section members, and experienced SuRE/SuRE-First investigators who understand exactly how R16 applications are evaluated. We help investigators craft compelling research plans, integrate student research roles, develop institutional commitment letters, and position projects for long-term funding success.

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