FOCUS Research Areas

The purpose of the FOCUS subcategory is to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals who are committed to conducting qualified research in emerging and high-priority scientific areas critical to NIH's mission of advancing human health.

FOCUS (L70) applicants are strongly encouraged to pay attention to the Institute or Center specific research priorities listed below, which are relevant to applications for a L70 award in Fiscal Year 2027 (Application Deadline: November 19, 2026). Applicants are also strongly encouraged to discuss their career interests with an LRP Program Officer before applying.

NIH Institute/Center	LRP Liaison
National Cancer Institute (NCI) For the LRP FOCUS (L70) subcategory, NCI will accept applications from Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) conducting cancer research in the following high priority areas: data science, computational biology, informatics, prevention, cancer control and population sciences, and new approaches emphasizing human-based research and models for cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment.	Dr. Mark Damico 240-276-5630 [email protected]
National Eye Institute (NEI) NEI will accept FOCUS applications from eligible individuals pursuing basic and clinical research focused on high-priority research areas within vision science, optometry, and ophthalmology. Applications from clinician-scientists are strongly encouraged. High-priority research interests include: The use of clinical AI to enhance clinical decision making, diagnosis, or prognosis related to eye and vision disorders Advancing cell and gene therapies for the treatment of eye diseases New Approach Methodologies (in silico, in vitro, in chemico), including comparative and validation studies Data science and bioinformatics approaches leveraging existing clinical and preclinical datasets Studies providing new mechanistic insight to chronic, comorbid, and acute eye diseases Behavioral and pharmacological treatment approaches for preventing or reducing vision loss Research aiming to enhance quality of life for the blind and visually impaired, including assistive devices, public health, and epidemiology	Dr. Neeraj Agarwal [email protected]
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) NHLBI will accept FOCUS applications for the following categories: Researchers using and developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) related to heart, lung, blood, sleep (HLBS) diseases and conditions. High-priority areas and example topics include: Testing methods using human tissues, Microphysiological systems (MPS), organoids, and "organ-on-a-chip" technologies, Advanced computational and in silico modeling such as leveraging real world data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), including the use of electronic health records (EHR) data Assessing NAM/model performance across different populations to prevent health disparities from being encoded into predictive tools NAMs that are both scientifically validated for their intended use ("fit-for-purpose") and practically ready for adoption in research settings ("fit-for-implementation") Researchers engaged in solutions-oriented health disparities research. High-priority areas and example topics include: Community health worker intervention research: models that leverage trusted local workforces to extend evidence-based care in underserved settings Digital health and mHealth intervention research: tools tailored to reduce access, literacy, and cost barriers Multi-level, multi-sector intervention research: linking health systems and community-based organizations to address upstream drivers of disease Care delivery research: new ways to deliver care and close gaps in prevention and treatment, with tailored clinical decision support Interventions that address upstream social/economic drivers of health via community-based organizations. Applications that qualify under other existing LRP subcategories supported by NHLBI are not responsive to this subcategory.	Dr. Roya Kalantari [email protected]
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) NHGRI will support genetic counselors at the master's and doctoral levels who are involved in genomics research offering their intellectual expertise either as part of a team or as an independent researcher. The research focus must be toward advancing the science of genomic medicine and the incorporation of genomics in improving the effectiveness of health care.	Ms. Heather Colley 301-402-0343 [email protected]
National Institute on Aging (NIA) NIA will accept applications for the FOCUS subcategory from investigators conducting research aligned with the NIA’s mission and strategic directions, proposing aging-focused research projects on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, management strategies for multiple chronic conditions, deprescribing, approaches to tele/virtual functional assessment, resilience, and geroscience-related interventions in older adults and aging populations.	Dr. Xin Yuan 301-827-0009 [email protected]
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) NIAAA will prioritize applications from early-stage investigators with basic science projects in the areas of metabolism and physiological and pathological health effects or neuroscience and behavior. Studies investigating biological mechanisms on the molecular, cellular and organ level are encouraged. Preclinical studies for the development of medications will also be considered. NIAAA will support data scientists, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, for projects with computational or systems biology models of alcohol exposure on molecular, cellular, organ, network and organism levels. Longitudinal research that integrates NIAAA-supported and public data sets will be considered.	Dr. Elizabeth Powell 301-443-0786 [email protected]
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) For the FOCUS subcategory, NIAID will only support early-stage investigators with doctoral or clinically oriented degrees who conduct basic or clinical research on infectious diseases or immunology, consistent with NIAID's strategic plan. Applications that qualify under the other existing subcategories supported by NIAID are not eligible for this program.	Dr. Carmen Moten [email protected]
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) NIAMS will accept applications from LRP-eligible applicants who are doing NIAMS relevant research in: Basic research in the etiology of acute and chronic pain in musculoskeletal and autoimmune and skin disorders, Dissemination and Implementation research, and Data Science research.	Dr. Isaah Vincent 301-496-0747 [email protected]
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) To further NIBIB's mission to train a strong biomedical engineering workforce, NIBIB will only accept FOCUS applications from: Investigators with clinically-oriented degrees who are licensed to practice medicine and conduct research aligned with NIBIB’s mission; PIs of active NIBIB F32 or K Awards; Postdoctoral trainees who are or have been supported by NIBIB Postdoctoral T32 Awards; or PIs of active NIBIB R15 and R16 Awards. Applications that qualify under Clinical Research (L30) or Pediatric Research (L40) supported by NIBIB are not responsive to this program.	Dr. Tina Gatlin 301-480-1608 [email protected]
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) The NICHD expects that most applicants conducting research within the scope of NICHD’s mission will apply through the Clinical or Pediatric Loan Repayment Program (LRP) mechanisms. For those that fall outside the scope of these mechanisms, NICHD may accept LRP applications from investigators in the following areas: Developmental biology / congenital anomalies research, including research on: fundamental mechanisms underlying human development tissue and organ regeneration Gynecologic and reproductive health research that does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Clinical or Pediatric LRP mechanisms. Contraception and/or infertility research Infertility research includes research that has the long-range objective of evaluating, treating, or ameliorating conditions which result in the failure of couples to either conceive or bear young. Contraception research includes research that has the ultimate goal of providing new or improved methods of preventing pregnancy. It also includes research on the effects of contraceptive use on human health. Eligibility for applicants with research-oriented degrees (e.g. Ph.D., Sc.D.) is limited to those who have completed their graduate training; applicants from graduate students will not be accepted. In the area of contraception and/or infertility research only, NICHD will accept LRP applications from qualified health and/or allied health professionals including, but not limited to, nurses and physician assistants. (Applications for contraception/infertility research will continue to be accepted from individuals with clinical or research-oriented doctoral degrees who are eligible to apply for other LRP programs.) Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to NICHD LRP staff prior to submission to confirm eligibility and alignment with priorities ([email protected]).	Ms. Doris Chen 301-594-8833 [email protected]
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) NIDCD's priorities include supporting communication and sensory disorder scientists conducting basic and clinical research to: (1) advance precision medicine approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders; (2) translate scientific advances into standard clinical care and facilitate their implementation; and (3) harness advanced technologies to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders. These priorities are consistent with Themes 3, 4, and 6 of the 2023–2027 NIDCD Strategic Plan.	Cendrine Robinson, PhD, MPH 301-480-6797 [email protected]
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) A high priority for NIDCR is developing and sustaining a strong clinician-scientist research workforce, including dentist-scientists, master’s and doctoral level hygienist-scientists, and physicians conducting dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) related research as well as oral and systemic health research. This workforce plays a vital role in identifying important clinical questions that drive basic discoveries, advance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and improve DOC health. The FOCUS subcategory is intended to support clinician scientists whose research falls outside the NIH clinical or pediatric LRP programs. NIDCR will accept FOCUS applications from investigators conducting DOC, along with oral and systemic health research, within the NIDCR’s mission areas.	Dr. Chantel Fuqua-Thompson 240-338-9322 [email protected]
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) NIDDK will be accepting FOCUS LRP applications that are within the mission of NIDDK in the follow categories: Basic science researchers with a focus on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), such as in vitro, ex vivo, in silico, and computational models that simulate complex biological systems Basic science researchers addressing disease heterogeneity Clinician-scientists who are licensed to practice medicine and either 1) conduct basic research, or 2) emphasize data science/computational approaches in their research	Dr. David Saslowsky 301-594-8876 [email protected]
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) NIDA will be accepting FOCUS applications for the following categories: Addiction scientists working in chemistry and drug development Data Scientists/Computational Neuroscientists focusing on addiction For eligibility questions please visit the LRP page or contact NIDA's LRP office at [email protected].	Dr. Lindsey Friend 301-402-1428 [email protected]
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) NIEHS will prioritize applications for the FOCUS subcategory from eligible early-career investigators with doctoral-level training in environmental health sciences or related fields such as public health, epidemiology, toxicology, data/computer science, and exposure science. Priority will be given to research in the following emerging areas: Microbiome-relevant research that characterizes the interaction among host biological pathways, environmental exposures, and resident microbial communities Research that utilizes or promotes the utilization of exposomics in human health studies Developing innovative tools and methodologies to improve exposure assessment or enable measurement of emerging environmental exposures. Integrating multiscale exposure data with health data to gain holistic view of the relationship between exposure and disease. Research that develops and/or applies advanced data science tools and methodologies to address environmental health research questions Developing computational tools, software, and infrastructures to share, integrate, and analyze environmental health data. Applying methods from data science fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling and Analysis, Graph Theory, and Semantic Engineering to solve environmental health problems. Innovative research related to integrating large-scale genomics and environmental data in population studies to understand gene-environment interactions in complex disease. Innovative research related to the impacts of extreme weather on human health. Innovative research related to human health effects from ocean or freshwater (e.g., Great Lakes) environmental exposures.	Ms. Toccara Ann Chamberlain 984-287-4482 [email protected]
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) To further NIGMS' mission to train a strong biomedical research workforce and enhance research capacity at institutions, states, and regions across the Nation, NIGMS will only accept FOCUS applications from eligible individuals currently supported through the following NIGMS research training, career development, and research programs: PIs of active NIGMS F32 awards PIs of active NIGMS K awards Trainees currently supported by active NIGMS Postdoctoral T32 Awards PIs of active NIGMS R16 Awards To enhance research capacity Nationwide, NIGMS encourages applications from individuals conducting research in IDeA States.	Dr. Shannon Doyle [email protected]
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) For the FOCUS subcategory, NIMH will only accept applications from investigators with clinically oriented degrees who are license to practice medicine and conduct basic research aligned with NIMH's strategic plan. Applications that qualify under other existing LRP subcategories supported by NIMH are not responsive to this subcategory.	Dr. Mark Chavez 301-443-8942 [email protected]
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) NIMHD will accept applications from NIH-defined Early Stage Investigators (ESI) proposing innovative health disparities research in the following NIMHD priority areas: Data science in health disparities Health of children with complex medical needs Health of older adults Implementation science Nutrition-related behaviors and food-linked chronic disease Prevention and management of chronic diseases Rural health disparities Social epigenomics research Sickle cell disease Tobacco use, substance use, and overdose Women's health	Ms. Rachel Anne Zajdel [email protected]
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) NINDS will accept FOCUS applications from individuals conducting research within the NINDS mission who fall into either of the following categories: Clinican-researchers: Individuals holding a clinical degree who are conducting research within the NINDS mission that fills an important gap in knowledge — including research on the mechanisms or treatment of neurological disorders and diseases, basic biological processes relevant to neurological function, or new avenues of investigation into neurological disorders and diseases. Early-Stage Investigators (ESI): Individuals of any professional background who meet NIH’s standard ESI definition, who have not yet competed successfully for a substantial NIH independent research award (e.g., R01 or equivalent), and are conducting research within the NINDS mission that fills important gaps in 1) knowledge about the mechanisms or treatment of neurological disorders and diseases and 2) understanding basic biological processes that are critical to understanding how disease alters neurological function; and will expand research or open new avenues of investigation into neurological disorders and disease. Applicants who do not meet either criterion are not eligible under this FOCUS category.	Dr. Joshua Sanchez [email protected]
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) NINR seeks to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals committed to a career in biomedical and biobehavioral research in areas aligned with the NINR mission. For the FOCUS subcategory, NINR will give priority to applications from nurse scientists whose program of research seeks to understand and improve people’s health within the context of their daily lives or to advance scalable approaches that optimize care delivery and strengthen health systems.	Dr. Libbey Bowen 301-496-9022 [email protected]
National Library of Medicine (NLM) NLM welcomes applications for the FOCUS LRP from postdoctoral fellows, clinical, data, or computational researchers transitioning to independent research positions, and non-tenured early-stage investigators based at academic or non-profit institutions. Eligible applications should focus on AI research that advances biomedical discovery and improves health through robust, data-driven approaches.	Dr. Catherine Farrell 301-402-7081 [email protected]
John E. Fogarty International Center (FIC) FIC supports scientific research and training to broadly advance global health. FIC will utilize the FOCUS subcategory to support scientists proposing research in World Bank-classified low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) on any topic of strategic importance to FIC, at any stage along the research spectrum from basic science to late-stage translation and implementation science. FIC prioritizes applicants whose research is consistent with the mission of the Center. Selection priority is given to current and former FIC trainees and grantees.	Dr. Brad Newsome 301-480-8389 [email protected]
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) NCATS will support scientists and researchers transitioning to translational science, as described in the NCATS 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Applications that meet the research requirements for Clinical or Pediatric Research as defined by the Loan Repayment Program are not eligible for this program. The work must be consistent with the NCATS mission, and should have or be developing expertise in: The development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative approaches within the clinical trial ecosystem to advance the science, and strengthen the impact, of clinical trials, e.g., Innovative clinical trial designs and methods, improved recruitment and retention strategies, enhanced participant engeagement, and improved trial implementation and operational efficiency. Human microphysiological systems (e.g., tissue chips, organoids) that are being developed or applied to predict safety or efficacy of drugs or biologics Platform technologies or approaches for drug or biologic repurposing, including high throughput screening assays or other scalable translational platforms. Innovations using digital technologies that advance translational science, e.g., Artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) and other computational approaches, including quantum computing and quantum sensing, to improve drug discovery or drug development processes. Data science and health informatics to provide support to health care providers and accelerate translation of evidence into routine health care practice. Mobile and digital health technologies that enhance access to research participation and health interventions, and accelerate improvements in health for all people.	Dr. Dale Robin Burwen 301-480-2065 [email protected]
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) NCCIH will accept FOCUS applications from the following categories who are conducting research aligned with NCCIH's mission areas and/or who have or are developing expertise in the topics described below: (1) individuals currently supported through NCCIH-funded F, T, K, or R awards; (2) clinician-scientists with doctoral-level clinical training (e.g., MD, DO, DC, ND, DAOM, DPT, clinical psychology); and (3) complementary and integrative health practitioners. Research to advance the understanding of biological mechanisms underlying clustered symptoms (e.g., co-occurring chronic pain, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and depression) Development of algorithms that predict intervention efficacy from baseline factors (e.g., better understanding of what works for whom and under what conditions) Dissemination and implementation science research for complementary and integrative health interventions with proven efficacy Development of novel tools, methodologies and technologies for the analysis of complex natural products chemical and/or biological data to rapidly identify active components of complex mixtures Exploring impact and/or contribution of microbial metabolism of orally consumed natural products (not amino acids or fiber) on observed biological activity; also exploring role of orally consumed phytochemicals (not amino acids or fiber) on function of gut microflora Inclusion of pharmacokinetic analysis for natural products including assessments of bioavailability and interaction with Phase I and Phase II metabolizing enzymes and transporters Early phase preclinical exploratory natural product discovery for pain as appropriate Developing and testing pilot reliable objective measures of pain outcomes generated by injuries to peripheral tissues such as muscles, fascia, connective tissues, joints, and others Developing and testing measures, outcomes and endpoints of pain in patients of sickle cell disease Developing and testing in vivo labeling technology of tissues or cells responsible for generating signals in response to different internal senses (e.g. mechanical force, temperature, osmolarity, oxygen levels) Developing and testing technology or methods quantifying biomechanical forces applied to internal tissues or cells Exploring the innovative mechanisms of action of sensory-based complementary and integrative approaches	Dr. Jennifer N. Baumgartner 301-402-4084 [email protected]
Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) ORWH focuses on advancing research that is relevant to the health of women. Applicants should ensure their proposed work aligns with the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for Research on the Health of Women. ORWH does not award grants but co-funds applications and research projects that have received an award from one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers listed in the announcement. Visit the ORWH website or contact the appropriate ORWH staff to learn more.	Dr. Carolyn Bondar [email protected]

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