The R-series includes NIH’s most common research grant programs. We offer information on the following programs:

• R01 is the NIH standard independent research project grant. An R01 is meant to give you four or five years of support to complete a project, publish, and reapply before the grant ends.
  • Learn if you qualify for an independent award at Determine Eligibility for NIAID Grants.
  • See Comparing Popular Research Project Grants: R01, R03, or R21 for how to choose between NIH’s standard R01 or a smaller R03 or R21.
  • For many more pages covering R01 opportunities, applications, review, and grants, use the navigation of this website.
• Small Businesses. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) (R43/R44) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) (R41/R42) programs seek to stimulate technological innovation and increase private-sector commercialization of technologies.”
• Small and Exploratory/Developmental Research Grants (R03, R21) SOP. These grant types support small-scale research projects and are designed for experienced investigators who want to pursue a new direction in research.
• Academic Research Enhancement Awards (R15) SOP. AREA grants fund some non-research intensive schools that have received limited NIH funding.
• NIAID R56-Bridge Award SOP. Bridge awards provide one year of funding for high-priority applications that score outside the payline. Investigators cannot apply.
• MERIT Awards and Extensions (R37) SOP. NIAID gives some investigators with stellar records an award that does not go through peer review.
• R21/R33 Phased Innovation Award SOP. Supports two phases: 1) R21 for milestone-driven exploratory or feasibility studies with a possible transition to 2) the R33 for expanded development.