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| Fundamentals |
| Learn about the benefits of targeted versus investigator-initiated research. |
| Try using a high-priority topic for an investigator-initiated application. |
| If you consider an initiative, be sure to stay in your area of expertise. |
|
Since you can't send NIH the same application for multiple purposes, you have to choose whether to submit an investigator-initiated application -- i.e., on a topic of your choice -- or respond to an institute initiative.
Investigator-Initiated Research
Most applications NIAID funds are investigator-initiated: you generate the topic by proposing an exciting, important project in your area of interest.
As long as the topic fits our mission, NIAID will fund an application whose priority score is within our payline and funding policies.
- The main advantage of investigator-initiated research: you can capitalize on your strengths.
- Think of an application as a building. If you hire a talented architect and give him or her full reign of expression, you could end up with a beautiful structure. The more constraints you add, the more you limit the architect's ideas.
- To find a great idea, brainstorm potential topics with colleagues.
- Concentrate on ideas in your area of expertise that would make an impact on public health.
- Spend a few days checking out the literature to make sure your topic fills a research gap.
High-Priority Topics -- Institute Initiatives
When you respond to a request for applications or Institute-specific program announcement, you are addressing a need NIAID has identified as a high-priority.
Using this approach has drawbacks and benefits.
- Institute-specific PAs
can be advantageous because some have set aside funds, and even for those that do not, NIAID may fund some applications beyond the payline.
- Requests for applications always have set-aside funds but can be highly competitive. You must also meet the requirements of the announcement, which may not suit you.
- On the plus side, you don't have to convince reviewers of the importance of your project.
For a more in-depth discussion of initiative pros and cons, read Application Approach: What Are Your Choices? in the NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal.
You can find NIH funding opportunities through the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts or get a more Institute-focused look on our Funding Opportunities List.
Be sure to call the program officer listed in the announcement to help you gauge the expected level of competition and learn about other Institute priorities. Find opportunities from other institutes in the NIH Guide.
A Blended Approach
A good alternative is to meld the two types: use a high-priority topic as the basis for an investigator-initiated application. This strategy keeps you in your area of expertise, boosting your chances of success.
And if your score misses the payline, an investigator-initiated application in a high-priority topic is more likely to be funded with an R56-Bridge award or selective pay.
Many savvy investigators also look to NIAID's concepts as guidance for high-priority areas. Even if they never become published initiatives, concepts can give you ideas for an investigator-initiated application.
What is a concept? Our definition --
Earliest planning stage of an initiative -- request for applications, request for proposals, or Institute-specific program announcement. NIAID program officers develop concepts and present them to NIAID's advisory Council for concept clearance. Only concepts approved by Council are published as initiatives; this depends on their priority and the availability of funds.
Go to our Concepts Approved by Council page, and read Using Concepts to Your Advantage.
Find more information online:
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