The Edward J. Stemmler, M.D. Medical Education Research Grant Program

2026 Funding Cycle: Letter of Intent

Submission Content and Formatting Guidelines

Purpose and Mission

The goal of the Stemmler Grant Program is to provide support for, research on, and development of pioneering assessment approaches that will enhance the professional development of those preparing to, or continuing to, practice medicine through funding medical education and assessment communities to drive future innovation.

The Stemmler grants serve as an extension of the NBME’s dedication to its mission: “advances assessment of health professionals to achieve optimal care for all” and its commitment to support assessment-related research and development conducted by medical school faculty. The grant program is not intended to fund projects designed to develop commercialized assessment products and services and will not consider any such proposals for funding.

Expected outcomes of funded projects include innovative advances in the theory, knowledge, or practice of assessment at any point along the continuum of medical education and practice. Both pilot projects and more comprehensive efforts are of interest. Collaborative investigations within or among institutions are encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements

Open Science Principles: The Stemmler Grant Program is linked to NBME’s mission to advance assessment. As such, it is expected that investigators abide by Open Science Principles in data sharing and reporting. If you are unable to follow these principles, please include rationale in your materials for review by the Stemmler Grant Committee. In the absence of a compelling rationale, preference will be given to proposals who agree to follow Open Science Principles (see http://opendefinition.org).

Investigator Team: Each project team must include an early career investigator mentored by the principal investigator and other team members. The intent is for the junior member of the team to make substantive contributions to the project and thereby gain a broader understanding of medical education and assessment research.

Institutional Proposals: The Stemmler Committee will accept multiple Letter of Intents (LOIs) from a single institution. However, they will only invite a maximum of one LOI per institution to submit a full proposal.
 

Letter of Intent

Requirements: The LOI must follow the format below to provide a structured and succinct overview of your research that supports the mission of the Stemmler Grant Program. The document should contain no more than 1,500 words (sections 1-3), double-spaced with no smaller than 10-point font. (Note: Section 4 and the Required Supplement are additional components with separate word counts.) You may include up to two appendices if they are critical to understanding your research; these will not be included in the word count. Videos, website links, and other forms of media are acceptable forms of appendices.

Submission Components:

Section 1: Study Purpose and Research Objectives

Include a concise statement describing the research project's fundamental purpose and the specific research problem(s) that will be addressed. The purpose statement should be followed by one or more research questions, one or more hypotheses to be tested, or the specific project objectives and deliverables.

The following is an example of a purpose statement and research questions from a prior project. It is not necessary that you follow this same format, but your statements should be similarly concise and explicit.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether a case diagramming technique can be used to assess students’ clinical reasoning with respect to the concepts taught in an integrated course on mechanisms of disease. Two research questions will be addressed: 

(1) Are scores based on a case-diagramming tool sufficiently reliable for classroom use? 

(2) Do scores on the case diagramming tool measure clinical reasoning more effectively than standard multiple-choice questions?

Section 2: Background and Rationale

This section should consist of two parts: (1) a brief literature review that situates the research within current knowledge. This should place the research project in the context of appropriate literature and cited challenges in medical education assessment; and (2) a description of how this research is innovative and how it has the potential to impact assessment in medical education. A list of up to 10 references can be included in this section. References are excluded from the word count.

Section 3: Design, Methods, and Analysis

Clearly describe and justify each portion of the overall study design including, as appropriate, the study participants, assessment or measurement procedures, data collection methods, and the analytic procedures used to address each research question listed in Section 1. This section should also include the theoretical framework and constructs for the analyses and any validity and reliability arguments supporting the methods. 

Sections 1-3 should total no more than 1500 words. 

Section 4: Response to Previous Reviewer Feedback (If Appropriate)

If you have submitted your LOI in a previous cycle and received feedback from the Stemmler Committee, please address the points as a supplement at the beginning or as part of the main sections of your LOI. We ask that you note the cycle year of the original submission. You may use up to an additional 300 words beyond the 1,500-word limit for this section.

Required Supplement: Roles of Research Team Members

In no more than 1 page per person, identify the individuals who will be filling the following roles on the project:

 I. Primary Investigator

 II. Methodologist/Assessment Specialist

 III. Mentored Early Career Investigator (see above for description) 

Include these individuals’ affiliations, qualifications for their role, and anticipated time on the project (e.g., total hours or hours per month).

In no more than 1 page per person, please describe each additional research team member’s (including any proposed consultants) qualifications for and contributions to the project. This should include the following: 

 i. Name and Degree

 ii. Institutional Affiliation and Title/Position

 iii. Role on and contribution to the Project (including anticipated time on the project)

 iv. A paragraph describing their qualifications for the project/role

This section does not count toward the 1500-word limit.

Please refer to Submitting Your Completed LOI (below) regarding anonymization.

Letters of reference or character are not required. Please do not include them with your submission.

Submitting Your Completed Letter of Intent

Formatting an Anonymized Copy:

All documents for upload should be in PDF format and combined to be submitted as one document. You are required to submit two copies of the LOI to the Submittable site: one that is fully identified and one that is anonymized. 

Anonymized versions should omit any identifying names of individuals and institutions (including such information as affiliations or region).

Other than the required redactions, please be sure that the anonymized version is identical to the fully identified version, including all necessary LOI components. 

Submittable: 

The Stemmler Grant Program utilizes the platform Submittable for all submissions. You may access our account here: https://nbme.submittable.com/login. If you have not used Submittable before, please create an account to access our page and complete the submission process: https://nbme.submittable.com/signup. 

Note: If you have previously used the Stemmler Grant Program’s online submission platform outside of Submittable, your submissions were connected to the user email address on file. Your submissions will appear on your dashboard labeled with the title of your submission and previous submission ID number.

Submission Deadline:

All submissions are due by Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern US).

Thank you for your interest in the Stemmler Medical Education Research Grant Program.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email stemmlergrants@nbme.org.

2025 NBME Emerging Innovators Grant Program

OVERVIEW

Applications for the 2025 cycle are currently being accepted until June 16, 2025. This grant is designed to support early- and mid-career medical education faculty or staff who share our commitment to advancing equitable assessment practices to foster a diverse and inclusive medical community. Equitable assessment practices and educational programs can support a stronger health care system with the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care disparities, while also enhancing educational experience of learners. We also seek projects promoting innovative thinking to push boundaries of medical education and assessment locally and/or nationally.

We are looking for proposals that advance one or more of the following: 

• Innovative assessment design with an emphasis on equity and fairness.
• Bias investigation and bias mitigation in existing assessments.
• Innovative program implementation.

NBME will fund up to $25,000 in total for each accepted proposal. Four proposals that can be completed within a 1–2-year timeframe will be selected. Grants will be awarded to medical schools accredited by the LCME or the AOA/COCA or graduate medical education (GME) training facilities. Applications are accepted from principal investigators with appointments at LCME- and AOA/COCA-accredited medical schools or GME facilities.

The projects should focus on enhancing assessment practices and medical education programs within the theme of Promoting Equitable Assessment in Medical Education. Whether the proposed research or program implementation is completely novel, or new in the context of your own setting, we encourage emerging innovators to apply for this grant opportunity during open cycles. 

We encourage proposals from individuals and/or teams. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The application has two components: content that will be submitted via question prompts in Submittable and content that should be uploaded to the individual questions and a combined PDF document in Submittable.

TO BE COMPLETED IN SUBMITTABLE:

Applicant Institution

1. Institution Contact / Principal Investigator This individual will be responsible for submitting the application and will receive notifications regarding application status.

2. Institution’s Authorized Representative This individual or office contact has responsibility for reviewing and signing contracts and is usually an organization’s contracts or grants administrator.

3. Acknowledgement of non-commercialization As part of NBME’s Community Collaborations and Contributions programs, the Emerging Innovators Grant Program supports medical education and assessment communities to drive future innovations. The Program is not intended to support work to develop commercialized assessment products or services. The Emerging Innovators Grant Program selection committee will not consider any such proposals for funding.

4. Abstract (350-word maximum) Describe the specific aims of the proposed project as well as any other applicable long-term objectives. Include a brief description of the research design and methods for achieving the stated goals. Address how this proposal meets the theme of this year’s call for application. 

Write in plain language, so a reviewer without a research background will be able to understand the importance of the project. 

DOCUMENT UPLOAD 

Please upload a single PDF for each section below, which includes the following documents: 

1. Program Description. (Maximum of 6 pages.) 

2. Proposal Budget. (See attached template.) 

3. Detailed Project Timeline. (Maximum of 1 page.) 

4. Curriculum Vitae from each member of the team. 

5. Existing IRB approvals or any IRB applications in process, as applicable. 

6. Letter(s) of Support from institutional leadership.

A. Program Description 

Describe your proposed project according to the prompts below. The description should be double-spaced and written in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. If references are cited, this will not be considered part of the page count. (Maximum of 6 pages.) 

1. Introduction

a. Why is the topic important to medical education assessment?

b. How does the project impact issues related to this year’s theme of Promoting Equitable Assessment in Medical Education?

c. Please cite literature on what is already known about the topic and how this identifies the existing gap. 

d. A clear statement of hypothesis (if a research study) or a clear description of project scope and purpose (if an implementation project). 

2. Methods/Materials – 

a. Description of a methodology that is appropriate to the question(s) or project plan. 

b. A clear and detailed study design / implementation plan including elements such as: a description of population to be studied or involved, the types of instruments or techniques planned for measurement with a rationale, including any validity evidence for the instruments selected, and if instruments or materials are to be developed, how this is feasible for the scope and timetable of the project. 

3. Evaluation/Analysis 

a. An evaluation plan that is appropriate for the study design and one that links to the anticipated outcomes and results. 

b. Rationale for the evaluation(s) or statistical methods selected. 

4. Anticipated Outcomes and Results 

a. Discussion of the anticipated primary and any relevant secondary outcomes and how they will contribute to greater equity in medical education assessment.

5. Collaboration and Mentoring 

a. A description of the proposed mentor/mentee relationship(s). Explain what each will bring to the project and/or will gain during the project. 

b. Explain how you will involve diverse stakeholders (e.g., organizations, students, educators, perspectives) in this process (if applicable). 

6. Future steps

a. Description of the next steps (for example, scale up or further funding potential), generalized use of the project results or findings, or potential integration into other learning settings. 

7. Citations 

a. Use any format for reference citations. 

b. This section does not count toward the program description page limit. 

B. Budget 

Please use the template to create a clear breakdown of the budget, including itemized expenses and justification for each cost. Indirect costs may not exceed 10% of the total requested grant amount.

C. Detailed Timeline 

Please include a project plan outlining key milestones, activities and deliverables, preferably as visual timeline. The timeline should not exceed one page.

D. Curriculum Vitae

Please include a current CV for each member of the research team.

E. Existing IRB approvals or any IRB applications in process 

Please include any documents related to IRB application or approval. 

F. Letter(s) of Support

Please include one or more letter(s) of support from institutional leadership (Division/Department Director, Dean, other program leader, etc.) for the project and for endorsement of the PI’s involvement in the project.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:

• Thematic alignment to the call for proposals.
• The potential to address at least one outcome in medical education related to this year’s theme of Promoting Equitable Assessment in Medical Education.
• Feasibility of achieving the project’s intended aims, including demonstration of the appropriate skill level of the proposed team, available technology, mentorship, resources, and program evaluation plan.
• Potential for meaningful impact at the institution and beyond, including scalability within medical education.
• Collaboration among departments (disciplines), faculty members, or institutions. We encourage proposals from teams that include a breadth of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and knowledge.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED PROPOSAL

All documents to be uploaded should be in PDF format and submitted as one document. You are required to submit both a blinded and an identified copy of your proposal to NBME’s platform, “Submittable.” Blinded versions should redact or omit any identifying names of individuals and institutions.

If you have not previously used Submittable, please create a profile by clicking here: https://nbme.submittable.com/signup. Once you have completed this step, complete the application form and follow the instructions for uploading your information and application document.

If you have previously used the Submittable platform for other grant or review work for NBME, your submissions were connected to the user email address on file. Your submissions will appear on your dashboard labeled with the title of your submission and previous submission ID number. That information may be accessed here: https://nbme.submittable.com/login

All submissions are due by Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern US)

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email NBMEInnovatorsGrant@nbme.org

The call for Letters of Intent on innovations to advance pathways and bridges to medicine programs is open. Letters of Intent are due by April 28, 2025, and final proposals are due by July 21, 2025.

NBME and the ASPBP are working collaboratively to develop evidence-based best practices demonstrating how pathway programs successfully support recruiting, educating and retaining physicians, particularly those from populations underrepresented and/or traditionally underserved in medicine. To do this, the organizations are creating various pathway program grant opportunities across the educational continuum. This funding opportunity is designed to support programs that create pathways to careers in medicine. Community-based, elementary to high school and higher education programs are eligible to submit applications that focus on evaluating the evidence for success of a particular educational or programmatic intervention strategy.

Eligibility to apply includes 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and programs or their fiscal sponsors and not-for-profit institutions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• 501c3 nonprofit organization or its fiscal sponsor or nonprofit institution. 501c3 documentation is not required unless requested.
• If applicable, IRB letter of approval or exemption (research comparing standard practice methodology in an educational setting) or determination of Quality Improvement is necessary prior to allocation of funds.
• Progress reports shall be provided at the conclusion of the funding period to ASPBP and forwarded to NBME.
• NBME acknowledgment shall be required on all materials or information relating to the Grants.
• Grantee shall present at the annual ASPBP conference and become amember of ASPBP for duration of the grant funding period.
• Only one application, either seed or materials and resources grant, per project, but not necessarily per organization can be submitted.

Funding Opportunities for 2025

This grant program includes two types of funding opportunities.

Funding Opportunities:

• Four SEED Grants (up to $20K)
• Four Resource grants (up to $5K)

Seed Grants 

One-time awards up to $20,000 for programs wanting to develop the foundation for an innovative intervention strategy (or strategies). Community programs, established education entities, and any collaborations are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be asked to submit their proposal describing/explaining

• the planned intervention based on literature or preliminary data or an explanation of its innovation
• the significance/potential impact of the intervention
• the plan for subsequent implementation of the intervention
• the plan for assessment strategies of the intervention 

Material and Resources Grants

One-time awards up to $5,000 for existing or new program. Applicants will be asked to describe the need for the requested resource, and how it will sustain and advance the program as well as a limited assessment strategy. Applicants will be asked to submit their proposal describing/explaining

• how the grant will improve the existing programs with needed educational resources including but not limited to software, supplies, travel expenses for learner participants, etc. 
• the development of a new program

About the Application

Submission of a broad range of interventions including learner support such as tutoring, mentoring and psychosocial support or learner resources such as a centralized database of available programs are encouraged. 

Key performance indicators include the rate of recruitment, matriculation, retention and graduation of learners. 

Key criteria for evaluation and funding include:

• The significance of the project’s impact.
• The innovation and feasibility of the approach. 
• Rigorous analyses.
• The expertise of the investigators.
• Collaboration and partnership among and within participating institutions and/or organizations.
• Active engagement with and participation by learners.
• The supportiveness of the environment.
• Being well-grounded in literature or practice.

How to Apply

Letters of Intent are due April 28, 2025.

Submit your Letter of Intent to the Innovations to Advance Pathway and Bridge Programs to Medicine Grant Program online portal. (see below). Letters should include:

Applicant Information

• Name of investigator(s), affiliation, institution or non-profit organization, contact info, institutional contact.

Proposal

• Title
• Identify the type of grant that is applied for.
• Brief description of proposal up to 500 words.

When you are ready to submit your Letter of Intent, please visit the Innovations to Advance Pathway and Bridge Programs to Medicine Grant Program online portal (see below)

1. Login or create an account on NBME’s Submittable page.
2. Read the Guidelines and complete the form.
3. Follow the instructions for submitting your application and attach any required documents.
4. You may save your online application at any time and return to complete it later by scrolling to the bottom of the submission form and selecting “Save Draft.”      
   • When you are ready to return to complete the form, log into your account, click on your name at the top right of the internet browser, select “My Submissions” and select the desired draft.

    

After reviewing your letter of intent and conducting due diligence, NBME will invite applicants who meet eligibility requirements to submit a full proposal in early May. Full application proposals are due by July 21, 2025.  Decisions will be announced no later than November 2025.

For questions about Letters of Intent, please email:  NBMEpathwaygrants@nbme.org. 

Application Guidelines for Full Proposals

Full proposals should include and be formatted in the following way:

Cover page (≤1 page)

• Title of Grant/proposal.
• Name of Principal Investigator(s), affiliation, institution, contact information, institutional contact.

Abstract/Summary Page (≤2 page)

• Summary of need and rationale, hypothesis of objective(s), explanation of how specific aims verify hypothesis or achieve objective.
• Summary statement highlighting the significance, the feasibility of the approach, the innovation, the expertise of the investigators and the conduciveness of the environment.

Purpose (≤5 pages)

      Significance and Rationale

• Seed grants: identify the need for intervention(s) and their potential impact.
• Material and Resource Grants: identify the need for materials and resources.
• Introduction to the intervention.
• Summary of what is known about the intervention including preliminary data from own prior research/observation/existing program/ existing educational tool. 
• Describe how increased representation is measured. 

      Project Goals

• Clearly state the hypothesis or objective(s).
• Explain the rationale of how the hypothesis or objective(s) address the need identified in the prior section on need analysis.
• Describe the specific goals including existing data/infrastructure that support the specific aims.
• Elaborate on how specific aims verify hypothesis or achieve objective.
• Explain how goals align with key performance indicators.

      Approach (≤5 pages)

• Intervention: Study Design/Program Design/Educational Material 
  • Describe the study design/program design/material.
  • Explain why these are best suited to address the overall purpose of this proposal.
  • Describe methods of how preliminary data were obtained or existing programs developed or material was designed.
  • Include methods of statistical and/or qualitative analyses to determine the effect of the intervention on representation using key performance indicators.

   

• Anticipated Outcome, Evaluations and Pitfalls 
  • Describe how success of project is assessed focusing on the key performance indicators.
  • Discuss alternatives.

   

• Multiple Principal Investigator/Institutions/Programs (if applicable) 
  • Describe the benefit of the collaborative approach.
  • Clearly delineate responsibilities of each member of the study team. 
  • Describe communication and coordination.
  • Provide authorship plan for dissemination of results.

   

     Budget

• The budget must provide sufficient details to fully explain and justify the resources needed to accomplish all specific aims. 
  • Supplies
  • Salaries (if applicable)
  • Commercial IRB
  • Indirect costs: Limit of 10%

   

     Appendices

• Bibliography
• CV of key personnel
• Letter of Support from senior administrator or school administrative champion
• IRB