NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required) (PA-18-344)

Bettie J. Graham, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-496-7531
FAX: 301-480-2770
Email: [email protected]

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.

Robin A. Barr, D. Phil.
Phone: 301-496-9322
FAX: 301-402-2945
Email: [email protected]

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.

Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research
Gregory Bloss
Phone: 301-443-3865
FAX:301-443-8614
E-mail: [email protected]

Division of Medications Development Research 
Joanne B. Fertig, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-0635
FAX:301-443-8774
E-mail:  [email protected]

Division of Metabolism and Health Effects 
Dale Hereld, M.D., Ph.D.
Phone: 301-443-0912
FAX:301-594-0673
E-mail:  [email protected]

Division of Neuroscience and Behavior
Lindsey Grandison, Ph.D.
Phone 301-443-0606
FAX: 301-443-1650 
E-mail:  [email protected]

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.

Ellen Goldmuntz, M.D., Ph.D.
Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation (DAIT)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 240-627-3502
Email: [email protected]

Mr. Martin Gutierrez
Division of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (DAIDS)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 240-292-4844    
Email: [email protected]

Shy Shorer, M.D.
Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID)
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Telephone: 240-627-3371
Email: [email protected]

Tracy Waldeck, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-827-5844
Email: [email protected]

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.

Nancy L. Freeman, Ph.D.
Phone: 301-402-3458
FAX: 301- 402-6251
Email: [email protected]

For a list of scientific staff, also see Staff Contacts.

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.

Bonnie Joubert, Ph.D.
Telephone: 984-287-3276
Email: [email protected]

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/funding/grants/announcements/index.cfm

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/research/supported/programs/index.cfm.

To obtain more information about existing NIEHS program areas and their corresponding program administrators, see http://www.niehs.nih.gov/funding/grants/contacts.cfm

NIMH Program Staff contacts  or see Division web pages (below)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute:

• Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science (DNBBS) :  Supports research programs in basic neuroscience, genetics, basic behavioral science, research training, resource and technology development and drug discovery.
• Division of Adult Translational Research and Treatment Development (DATR) : Supports translational research on the mechanisms of adult psychopathology and the development of novel treatment approaches for adult mental disorders.
• Division of Developmental Translational Research (DDTR) : Supports integrated research and research training that translates knowledge from basic/behavioral science into a better understanding of pediatric psychopathology and the development of novel treatment and prevention strategies.
• Division of AIDS Research (DAR) : Supports research on behavioral strategies to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and research on the mental health effects of HIV/AIDS.
• Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) : Supports research that evaluates the effectiveness of treatment and preventive mental health interventions and mental health services research.

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.

Rina Das, PhD
Phone: 301-496-3996
Email: [email protected]

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will accept investigator-initiated exploratory/developmental projects (R21) for all program areas supported by the Institute. For further information on NIMHD investigator-initiated minority health and health disparities research, please see http://www.nimhd.nih.gov/programs/extra/iir.pdf.