NIAMS Funding Policies and Considerations

NIAMS’ funding policy goals are to maximize the impact of investments in research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.

The Institute will consider several criteria that aim to ensure we support a broad variety of science, study populations, investigators, and institutions, reflecting our mission. Information about Institute priorities is provided in our Strategic Plan. 
Applicants are encouraged to contact NIAMS program staff with questions. 

The decision to fund or not to fund any application is based on the assessment of scientific merit by a peer review group and on the relevance to the institute’s priorities. 

NIAMS considers many factors in funding decisions as consistent with applicable law, including, but not limited to:

• Scientific Merit
• Relevance to Institute Priorities
• NIAMS Research Priorities
• Early-stage Investigator Status
• At-Risk Investigator Status

NIAMS is unlikely to award a grant to a PI with more than three active R01-equivalent grants. Please see NIAMS Announces a New Funding Policy notice for details. 

Budget Escalation Policy
Inflationary increases for future year commitments are not permitted. NIAMS does not allow out-year salary escalations for individuals providing the same effort from the previous budget year’s salary request in competing and renewal applications, regardless of the reason for the requested salary increases, e.g., merit-based or cost of living. This applies to all other cost categories, e.g., supplies, travel, etc. Any non-inflationary, reason for year-to-year increases within a budget category should be clearly stated in the budget justification.