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NIH enhances biomedical research through support for construction and modernization of new or existing physical infrastructure, e.g., buildings, facilities, laboratories, and fixed equipment.
When congressional appropriations are available, NIH supports programs that fund the construction and modernization of research space.
- Construction. Construction of a new building, structure or facility, including the installation of fixed equipment, which provides space not presently available. It excludes the purchase of land and ancillary improvement, for example parking lots, roads, or fencing. The construction of shell space is not allowable as a construction activity since shell space does not provide usable space for research activities.
- Modernization. Alteration, renovation, remodeling, improvement, expansion or repair of, or completion of shell space in an existing building (whether for storage or human occupancy) necessary to make the building suitable for use for the purposes of a particular program. Modernization is distinct from construction in that it leaves the existing structure in place. This can range from updating flooring to replacing everything except for the existing mainframe and foundations. When the primary purpose of the award is to modernize biomedical research facilities, the grant cannot support the conduct of any research.
Search for Construction and Modernization Funding Opportunities
The NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts is NIH's official publication of notices of grant policies, guidelines, and funding opportunities.
View Current Funding OpportunitiesPurpose
The overall purpose of these programs is to provide modernized physical infrastructure that meets up-to-date engineering requirements to conduct cutting-edge NIH-funded biomedical research. These investments impact research funded by essentially all NIH Institutes and Centers, benefiting all areas of biomedical sciences from fundamental biology to clinical translational research.
Review Criteria
To find the criteria reviewers will use to evaluate your application, see Section V of your funding opportunity.