NIDDK Exploratory Research Grant (R21) Program : NIDDK

NIDDK Exploratory Research Grant (R21) Program

The evolution and vitality of biomedical science requires constant infusion of new ideas, techniques, and points of view. These innovations may differ substantially from current thinking or practice, and may not yet be supported by substantial evidence. The R21 grant program provides a mechanism dedicated to the promotion of highly innovative research.

To Apply

Most R21 applications can be submitted in response to PA 06-181: NIH Exploratory/Development Research Grant Program (Parent R21). However, the parent R21 announcement does not cover pilot clinical studies/trials and secondary data analyses. R21 proposals of pilot projects for clinical studies/trials and secondary data analyses are solicited under separate Program Announcements.

R21 Program Goals

NIDDK uses the R21 to support projects within its research mission that are:
  • Innovative, high pay-off, paradigm-shifting projects
  • Novel technology and tool development
  • Applications of existing methods, technologies, or conceptual approaches from outside biomedical science to a problem in the NIDDK mission
  • Pilot clinical trials or clinical studies

Most projects are not suitable for the R21 mechanism:

  • Projects of limited scope or cost that use widely accepted approaches and methods within established fields are NOT appropriate for an R21 application.
  • A proposal designed to generate preliminary data for a longer-term project in a well-established research area is NOT appropriate for an R21 application.
  • R21s should NOT be used by new investigators to gather preliminary data for a standard R01.
  • R21 proposals submitted by new investigators will NOT be given special priority for funding. Please see Resources for New Investigators.


The NIDDK will support highly risky projects if the proposed research holds promise for a major advance in biomedical research. Although the preliminary data is not required, the applicant should provide evidence of his/her ability to carry out the proposed research project. The success rate of NIDDK R21 applications in the past has been highly variable and differs from the success rate for obtaining R01 awards.

Potential applicants are strongly advised to discuss a prospective proposal with a member of NIDDK Program Staff in order to determine whether it is appropriate to submit as an R21 application.



NIDDK Program Staff Contacts

For advice about the responsiveness of a prospective proposal to PA-06-181, please contact one of the following members of the NIDDK Program Staff:

Dr. Catherine McKeon, DEM, Senior Advisor, Genetic Research in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases

Dr. Robert Karp, DDN, Director, Genetics and Genomics in Digestive Diseases and Obesity Programs

Dr. Chris Ketchum, KUH, Director, Basic Renal Biology Program

Page last updated: January 01, 0001

General inquiries may be addressed to: Office of Communications & Public Liaison
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For information about NIDDK programs: 301.496.3583

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