The R21 grant mechanism is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research projects by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of development. The NIH has standardized the Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) application characteristics, requirements, preparation, and review procedures in order to accommodate investigator-initiated grant applications.
The R21 Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for investigator-initiated R21 applications can be found at PA-06-181 and articulates the policies and procedures that apply to this grant mechanism.
The NIH has standardized the R21 application characteristics, requirements, preparation, and review procedures in order to accommodate investigator-initiated applications. Investigator-initiated research is research funded as a result of an investigator submitting a research grant application to NIH in an investigator’s area of interest and competency. This website describes the use of the R21 and describes the NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) that intend to accept such applications.
Investigators wishing to apply for an R21 grant should be aware that not all ICs accept investigator-initiated R21 applications Before preparing an application for an R21 application, all investigators should consult the list of “Components of Participating Organizations” on the Face page of this document and also consult the table of IC contacts and IC research interests below to determine if an R21 application is appropriate.
Applicants should also be aware that non-participating ICs might solicit other R21 applications using Requests for Applications (RFAs) or Program Announcements (PAs) to meet specific program needs. Information about such initiatives can be obtained in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/index.html and by consulting with NIH staff. In some cases those announcements may specify different application characteristics, review criteria, and receipt dates.
NIH Institute and Center Contacts and Scientific Research Areas of Interest |
NIH Institute/Center |
Scientific/Research
Contact |
Financial or Grants Management
Contact |
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) |
Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-7531
FAX: 301-480-2770
Email: Bettie_graham@nih.gov |
Ms. Cheryl Chick
Grants Administration Branch
Phone: (301) 435-7858
E-mail: chickc@mail.nih.gov |
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute. NHGRI uses the R21 mechanism for pilot projects or feasibility studies to develop new, and/or to significantly improve existing genomics and proteomics technologies and to encourage high risk/potential high payoff research. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the Institute's goals in its latest program planning document, "A Vision for the Future of Genomics Research," http://www.genome.gov/11007524. |
|
National Eye Institute (NEI) |
Ellen S. Liberman, M.B.A., Ph.D.
Phone: 301-451-2020
FAX: 301-402-0538
Email: esl@nei.nih.gov |
William W. Darby
Phone: 301-451-2020
FAX: 301-496-0528
Email: darbyw@mail.nih.gov |
The National Eye Institute (NEI) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute.
For information regarding specific programmatic priorities, see http://www.nei.nih.gov. The NEI also solicits R21 applications for a specialized program which has particular research objectives and application and review procedures. Information regarding the NEI Research Grant for Secondary Data Analysis is available on our website. |
NHLBI |
Roy White, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-435-0310
FAX: 301-480-4755
Email: whiter@nhlbi.nih.gov |
Suzanne White
Phone: 301-435-0147
FAX: 301-480-3310
Email: sw52h@nih.gov |
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute. |
National Institute on Aging (NIA) |
Robin A. Barr, D. Phil.
Phone: 301-496-9322
FAX: 301-402-2945
Email: BarrR@mail.nih.gov |
Linda Whipp
Phone: 301-496-1472
FAX: 301-402-3672
Email: whippL@mail.nih.gov |
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute.
For information regarding specific programmatic priorities, see Research Projects. |
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) |
Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Vivian B. Faden, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-594-6232
FAX: 301-443-8614
E-mail: vfaden@mail.nih.gov
Division of Treatment and Recovery Research
Joanne B. Fertig, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-0635
FAX: 301-443-8774
E-mail: jfertig@mail.nih.gov
Division of Metabolism and Health Effects
Laurie Foudin, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-0912
FAX: 301-594-0673
E-mail: lfoudin@mail.nih.gov
Division of Neuroscience and Behavior
Dennis A. Twombly, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-9334
FAX: 301-443-1650
E-mail: dtwombly@mail.nih.gov |
Judy Fox
Phone: 301-443-4704
FAX: 301-443-3891
Email: jfox@mail.nih.gov
|
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute, particularly those defined as NIAAA special emphasis areas. The Institute's mission statement, extramural research program descriptions, list of special emphasis areas, active program announcements may be found at the NIAAA web site: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov.
The NIAAA R21 program provides limited support for exploring the feasibility of innovative or creative research questions within the research interests of the NIAAA. This includes basic and applied research on biochemical, physiological, genetic, and behavioral mechanisms leading to pathological drinking behavior; mechanisms of alcohol-induced organ damage, including fetal injury; and clinical, behavioral, and epidemiological approaches to more effective diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcoholism, alcohol abuse and alcohol-related problems. While applications may involve a wide variety of biomedical, behavioral, clinical, sociocultural, or other disciplines, relevance to the mission of the NIAAA must be clear.
To obtain more information about existing NIAAA program areas and the corresponding program administrators for R21 awards, please refer to the NIAAA extramural website at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ResearchInformation/ExtramuralResearch/ResourcesAppGrantees/Sgrant.htm.
|
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) |
See NIAID Key Contacts for scientific program staff in all research areas supported by NIAID -http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/findingpeople/.
For general information about NIAID support of R03 applications, e-mail NIAIDReceiptReferral@niaid.nih.gov |
Ann Devine
Phone: 301-402-5601
FAX: 301-480-3780
Email: adevine@niaid.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute.
For information on NIAID R21 research opportunities in Biodefense, please see http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/BiodefenseRelated/Biodefense/research/.
|
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) |
Cheryl A. Kitt, Ph.D
Phone: 301-594-2463
FAX: 301-480-4543
Email: kittc@mail.nih.gov |
Melinda B. Nelson
Phone: 301-594-3535
FAX: 480-5450
Email: mn23z@nih.gov |
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute.
For information regarding specific scientific programs and contacts, see http://www.niams.nih.gov/rtac/index.htm. |
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) |
Division of Applied Science and Technology
John Haller, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-451-4780
FAX: 301-480-4973
Email: hallerj@mail.nih.gov
Director, Division of Discovery Science and Technology
Christine A. Kelley, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-451-4778
FAX: 301-480-4973
Email: kelleyc@mail.nih.gov |
Florence Turska
Phone: 301 451-4782
FAX: 301-480-5735
Email: turskaf@mail.nih.gov
|
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) uses the exploratory/developmental grant (R21) mechanism to provide support for projects that may be high-risk, exploratory and/or developmental in nature, in any area relevant to the mission of the Institute as represented by its program areas.
For more information about the NIBIB mission, relevant areas of research, and other specific R21 initiatives, see the NIBIB website at: www.nibib.nih.gov. |
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) |
Center for Population Research
Florence P. Haseltine, M.D.
Phone: 301-496-1101
E-mail: haseltif@mail.nih.gov
Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine
A. Tyl Hewitt, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-5541
E-mail: th119v@nih.gov
Center for Research for Mothers and Children
Gilman Grave, M.D.
Phone: 301-496-5593
E-mail: graveg@mail.nih.gov
The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
Ralph M. Nitkin, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-402-4206
E-mail: NitkinR@mail.nih.gov |
Bryan S. Clark, M.B.A
Chief Grants Management Officer
Phone: 301-435-6975
FAX: 301- 451-5510
Email: clarkb1@mail.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) uses the Exploratory/Developmental (R21) mechanism to provide support for potentially high-risk/high payoff new projects in the early stages of development and introducing novel scientific ideas, model systems, tools, agents, targets, and/or technologies in all program areas supported by the Institute:
- Center for Population Research: Contraception Research; Demographic and Behavioral Science; Reproductive Sciences
- Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine: Developmental Biology, Genetics and Teratology; Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities; Pregnancy and Perinatology
- Center for Research for Mothers and Children: Child Development and Behavior; Endocrinology, Nutrition and Growth; Pediatric, Adolescent and Maternal AIDS; Obstetric and Pediatric Pharmacology
- The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research: Behavioral Sciences and Rehabilitation Engineering; Biological Sciences; Clinical Practices; Pediatric Critical Care and Rehabilitation
Examples of the types of R21 projects supported by NICHD include: feasibility studies; development of new research methodology; high risk/high payoff studies; development of new research technology. The research interests of NICHD are described in more detail at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/research/org/supported_by.cfm |
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) |
Center for Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases
Yassaman Shirazi, Ph.D.
Phone: 301- 594-4812
FAX: 301-480-8319
Email: ShiraziY@nidcr.nih.gov
Center for Clinical Research
Jane C. Atkinson, D.D.S.
Phone: 301- 435-7908
FAX: 301-480-8319
Email: jatkinso@mail.nih.gov
Maria Canto, DDS, MPH
Phone: 301- 594 5497
FAX: 301-480-8319
Email: Maria.Canto@nih.gov
Biotechnology and Innovation
Eleni Kousvelari, DDS, D.Sc.
Phone: 301- 594-2427
FAX: 301-480-8318
Email: Eleni.Kousvelari@nih.gov
Division of Extramural Activities
Lynn Mertens King, PhD
Phone: 301-594-5006
Fax: 301-480-8303
Email: Lynn.King@nih.gov
|
Mary Daley
Phone: 301-594-4808
FAX: 301-480-3562
Email: md74u@nih.gov |
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute:
For current funding opportunities and contacts, see http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/Funding/CurrentFundingOpportunities/default.htm. |
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) |
Teresa Levitin, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-2755
FAX: 301-443-0538
Email: TL25u@nih.gov |
Gary Fleming, J.D.
Phone: 301-443-6710
FAX: 301-594-6849
Email: gfleming@nida.nih.gov |
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute.
NIDA uses the R21 mechanism to provide support for projects in the early stages of developing or testing innovative ideas in any area relevant to the mission of the Institute. Since this mechanism is intended to enable an investigator to receive support for the early and conceptual stages of an innovative research question or approach, preliminary data specific to the proposed project are not expected. Novel scientific ideas, model systems, tools, agents, targets and technologies that have the potential to advance research in substantial ways and relevant to the mission of NIDA are appropriate for this mechanism. Long-term projects or projects designed to establish knowledge in a well-established area should not use the R21mechanism. |
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) |
Nancy L. Freeman, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-402-3458
FAX: 301- 402-6251
Email: FreemanN@mail.NIH.gov
For a list of scientific staff, also see Staff Contacts. |
Christopher Myers
Phone: 301-435-0713
FAX: 301-402-1758
Email: myersc@mail.nih.gov |
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) uses the Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21) to support the development of novel ideas, technologies, or methodologies at an early stage of development which have the potential to break new ground or extend toward new directions or applications.
The NIDCD supports basic and clinical biomedical and behavioral research in the communication sciences of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech and language. The proposed research must be focused on one or more of these scientific mission areas. |
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) |
NIDDK uses the R21 mechanism 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 /clinical studies or epidemiological studies (see PA-06-387, PAR-06-113, PA-06-301, PA-06-256)
- Secondary data analyses (see PA-06-151)
NIDDK will NOT support R21 projects that are:
- Of limited scope or cost that use widely accepted approaches and methods within established fields - are NOT appropriate for a R21 application.
- Designed to generate preliminary data for a longer-term project in a well-established research area - is NOT appropriate for a R21 application.
- Used by new investigators to gather preliminary data for a standard R01.
- R21 applications 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. Such projects can be submitted in response to this parent R21 announcement.
However, the parent R21 announcement does not cover pilot clinical studies/trials and secondary data analyses. R21 applications of pilot projects for clinical studies/trials and secondary data analyses are solicited under separate Program Announcements.
Potential applicants are strongly advised to discuss a prospective application with a member of the NIDDK Program Staff listed below in order to determine whether it is appropriate to submit as an R21 application.
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 |
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) |
Carol Shreffler, Ph.D.
Phone: 919-541-1445
FAX: 919-541-5064
Email: Shreffl1@niehs.nih.gov |
Donald Ellis
Phone: 919-541-1874
FAX: 919-441-2860
Email: donaldellis@niehs.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) will accept investigator-initiated research projects using the R21 mechanism for all areas of environmental health science research; particularly those defined as NIEHS special emphasis areas. Details on these areas can be found at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/dert/programs/special/special.htm.
To obtain more information about existing NIEHS program areas and their corresponding program administrators, see http://www.niehs.nih.gov/dert/pasci.htm. |
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) |
NIMH Program Staff contacts or see Division web pages (below) |
Rebecca Claycamp, M.S., C.R.A.
Phone: 301-443-2811
FAX: 301-443-6885
Email: rclaycam@mail.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute:
Examples of the types of projects supported by NIMH through the R21 program include: pilot or feasibility studies; development of research methodology; high risk studies; development of new research technology; small-scale, self-contained projects; and analysis of existing data sets.
Further description of NIMH’s interest in the R21 program can be found at www.nimh.nih.gov/researchfunding/grantawardr21.cfm. |
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) |
NINDS Referral Officer
Phone: (301) 496-9223
FAX:
Email: nindsreview.nih.gov@mail.nih.gov
For a list of scientific staff, also see: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/about_ninds/organization.htm#Extramural |
James E. Washington, M.Ed.
Phone: 301-496-7449
FAX: 301-451-5635
Email: washingj@ninds.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute. See http://www.ninds.nih.gov/about_ninds/ninds_overview.htm.
As an Exploratory/Developmental mechanism, the R21 Grant is intended to support projects that: 1) assess the feasibility of a novel avenue of investigation 2) involve high risk experiments that could lead to a breakthrough in a particular field or 3) demonstrate the feasibility of new technologies that could have major impact in a specific area. To be eligible for consideration, proposals must be distinct from those traditionally submitted through the R01 mechanism. For example, projects designed to produce incremental advances in knowledge in a well-established area will not be considered. Proposals submitted under this mechanism should be limited to those with the potential for truly ground-breaking impact.
NINDS also supports R21 Exploratory/Developmental Projects in Translational Research to support research projects intended to discover potential targets for therapeutic intervention, to identify candidate therapeutics, or to develop assays, animal models, devices, or technologies for screening or developing therapeutics. Such projects, if successful, should lead directly to a therapy development project for a particular neurological disorder. For additional Information, see: PAR-05-157
NINDS will not accept unsolicited R21 applications that include clinical trials or other clinical studies of potential therapies. NINDS places a high priority on the development and evaluation of such clinical interventions and has established specific mechanisms for supporting these types of proposals, including the unsolicited R01 (see http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/all_opps.htm?cluster_sort=2).
Applications that involve human subjects may be submitted to NINDS if the proposal does not include any clinical intervention AND the proposed research includes safety monitoring of study participants that can be performed appropriately within the budgetary and time constraints of the R21 mechanism.
For further details regarding the R21 mechanism see the NINDS website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/r21guidelines.htm. |
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) |
Please contact the NINR Program Director listed in the area of science in which you are interested. NINR Program Staff contacts may be found at: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/ResearchAndFunding/DEA/OEP/AreasofscienceFile.htm |
Brian Albertini
Phone: 301-594-6869
Fax: 301-402-4502
Email: albertib@mail.nih.gov |
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) will accept investigator-initiated R21 applications for exploratory/developmental projects in areas that are mission-relevant (http://www.ninr.nih.gov/AboutNINR/NINRMissionandStrategicPlan/). This includes potentially high-risk/high payoff projects in the early stages of development and projects having innovative scientific ideas. NINR also accepts R21 applications in response to specific PAs that it has initiated or in which it participates (http://www.ninr.nih.gov/ResearchAndFunding/DEA/OEP/FundingOpportunities/ProgannFile.htm).
|
National Library of Medicine (NLM) |
Valerie Florance, Ph.D.
Phone: 301.594.4882
Fax: 301.402.2952
Email: florancev@mail.nih.gov |
Dwight Mowery
Phone: 301-496-4221
Fax 301-402-0421
Email: moweryd@mail.nih.gov |
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) will accept investigator-initiated R21 applications that explore new areas in its mission relevant areas, which include biomedical informatics and bioinformatics. NLM defines informatics as the intersection of computer, information and behavioral sciences with one or more application domains. Application domains of interest include health care delivery, basic biomedical research, clinical and translational research, public health and others. The range and scope of NLM's research interests is described at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ep/Research.html . |
NIH Institutes and Centers that DO NOT ACCEPT R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement but ONLY accept R21 applications in response to their specific funding opportunity announcements: FIC, NCCAM, NCI, NCMHD and NIGMS.
|
Fogarty International Center |
The Fogarty International Center (FIC) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement FIC will use the R21 mechanism only when specified by specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. See http://www.fic.nih.gov/ for guidance. |
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) |
Each Program Officer is responsible for coordinating different scientific research portfolios. Specific contact information can be found at: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/contact/index.htm |
George Tucker
Phone: 301-594 9102
FAX: 301-480-1552
Email: tuckerg@mail.nih.gov |
The National Center on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement. NCCAM will use the R21 mechanism only with specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. The Center’s use of the mechanism is described in two current program announcements, one for basic and preclinical studies and the second for clinical studies: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/instructions/r21/index.htm. Active scientific specific announcements using the R21 mechanism can be found by searching the NCCAM Funding Opportunity Announcement web site: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/announcements/active.htm. |
National Cancer Institute (NCI) |
Leota Hall
Phone: 301-496-3428
FAX: 301-402-0275
Email: hallle@mail.nih.gov |
Crystal Wolfrey
Phone: 301-496-8634
FAX: 301-496-8601
Email: wolfreyc@mail.nih.gov |
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement. NCI will use the R21 mechanism only when specified by specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. The currently active announcements are listed on the NCI website at: http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/funding.htm. |
NCMHD |
The National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement. NCMHD will use the R21 mechanism only when specified by specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. |
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) |
The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement. NCRR will use the R21 mechanism only when specified by specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. See http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/research_funding/funding_opportunities/ for guidance. |
NIGMS |
Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics
Dr. James C. Cassatt
301-594-0828
E-mail: cassattj@nigms.nih.gov
Division of Genetics and Developmental
Dr. Judith H. Greenberg
301-594-0943
E-mail: greenbej@nigms.nih.gov
Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry
Dr. Michael E. Rogers
301-594-3827
E-mail: rogersm@nigms.nih.gov |
Linda Whipp
Phone: 301- 496-1472
Email: whippl@gw.nia.nih.gov |
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) will not accept R21 applications in response to the Parent R21 Announcement. The NIGMS will use the R21 mechanism only when specified by specific PAs or RFAs that it has initiated or in which it participates. A listing of these is available in the NIGMS R21 Participation Statement. |
