NIH Research Project Grant Program (R01)

Introduction

The Research Project Grant (R01) is the original and historically oldest grant mechanism used by NIH. The R01 provides support for health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH. R01s can be investigator-initiated or can be solicited via a Request for Applications. This website is devoted to the investigator-initiated R01 application, which means there are no specific program requirements. However, the R01 research plan proposed by the applicant must be related to the stated program interests of one or more of the NIH Institutes and Centers based on their missions.

The Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT) website provides information about research grants including the number of funded new and competing R01s, average award dollars and characteristics of research project grants.

Definition of an R01

The Research Project (R01) grant is an award made to support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing the investigator's specific interest and competencies, based on the mission of the NIH.

Scope

The NIH is comprised of Institutes and Centers that support specific areas of health-related research and almost all Institutes and Centers at the NIH fund R01 grants. Research grant applications are assigned to an Institute or Center based on receipt and referral guidelines, and many applications are assigned to multiple Institutes and Centers as interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is encouraged.

Applicants are encouraged to identify a participating IC that supports their area of research website and contact Scientific/Research staff from relevant ICs to inquire about their interest in supporting the proposed research project.

For specific information about the mission of each NIH IC, visit the List of NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices website.

Allowable Costs

Salary and fringe benefits for Principal Investigator, key personnel, and other essential personnel
Equipment and supplies
Consultant costs
Alterations and renovations
Publications and miscellaneous costs
Contract services
Consortium costs
Facilities and Administrative costs (indirect costs)
Travel expenses

Application Characteristics

As a general rule, R01 application budgets are not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. However, R01s can be limited in a specific funding opportunity, so it is important that applicants note any budgetary limits indicated in Part 2. Section 2. Award Budget of the funding opportunity. NIH's Modular Budget Policy applies to R01 applications submitted by domestic institutions.
Applications are generally awarded for 1 - 5 budget periods, each normally 12 months in duration.
Applications can be renewed by competing for an additional project period.

Applicants may find it helpful to seek advice from their grants administrators and experienced investigators. Some IC sites provide annotated sample applications and related documents (see Samples: Applications, Attachments, and other Documents).

Due Dates
The Key Dates section of funding opportunities list specific due dates or refer to our Standard Due Dates schedule.

R01 Standard Due Dates

New grant applications: February 5, June 5, and October 5
Renewal, resubmission, and revision grant applications: March 5, July 5, and November 5
AIDS and AIDS-related grant applications: May 7, September 7, and January 7.

R01 Participating Institutes, Centers and Offices

Most NIH Institutes and Centers support the R01 grant mechanism. In addition, the following NIH Offices of the Director do not accept applications, but do provide funding for investigator-initiated R01 applications:

Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR)
Office of Disease Prevention (ODP)
Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)

Active Funding Opportunities

NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts search results for active R01 opportunities