New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics and other Health-Related Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 21 025

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 21 025

The New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics and other Health-Related Research opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-HG-21-025) is a discretionary National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program administered through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). It uses the R01 research project grant mechanism and is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose studies that do or do not include a clinical trial, as long as the project fits NIH definitions and NHGRI mission priorities. The overall purpose is to fund independent, investigator-initiated research in genomics and other health-related research areas that align with NHGRI's scientific mission, while directly supporting the career progression of New Investigators from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the health-related sciences.

At its core, this FOA is both a research funding opportunity and a workforce development strategy. It is designed to help new independent investigators establish or strengthen their research programs by providing support for a full R01-style project, with the added emphasis that the applicant pool should include scientists who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to genomics and health research. Projects are expected to be scientifically rigorous, clearly independent, and substantively within the NHGRI portfolio, which broadly covers the development and application of genomic technologies, genomic science, and approaches that advance understanding of human health and disease through genomics.

A wide range of applicant organizations are eligible. This includes many types of U.S.-based governmental entities (state, county, city or township governments, and special district governments), federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and a variety of education and research institutions such as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and independent school districts. The opportunity is also open to nonprofit organizations, whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status, as well as for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses. In addition to these standard NIH-eligible categories, the FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types that align with the program's workforce diversity emphasis, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). It also notes that eligible agencies of the federal government, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and certain tribal governments or organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments, depending on the category) may apply.

The FOA draws a clear boundary regarding foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, "foreign components" are allowed when they meet the NIH Grants Policy Statement definition, which generally means discrete portions of the project may be carried out outside the U.S. under an otherwise eligible U.S. applicant organization, when scientifically justified and compliant with NIH policy.

From a funding details standpoint, the opportunity is categorized under NIH grant funding (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) with a health-related activity category and references CFDA numbers 93.172, 93.286, and 93.368. The listed award ceiling is $500,000, indicating an upper limit on the award amount under the terms specified in the announcement. The original closing date was July 29, 2021, and the FOA record indicates it was created on June 30, 2021. While the notice references expected awards, the provided source data does not specify a number, so applicants would typically consult the full FOA text for details on anticipated award count, budget format expectations, project period limits, and any institute-specific review considerations.

In practical terms, an applicant considering this FOA would need to frame a research project that is clearly genomics-focused (or otherwise within NHGRI's defined mission areas), structured as an independent R01-level effort, and aligned with the program's intent to expand and strengthen the diversity of the genomics research workforce by supporting New Investigators. The emphasis is not simply on institutional eligibility, but on enabling investigators from underrepresented backgrounds to secure major independent funding and build sustainable research trajectories in genomics and health-related science.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics and other Health-Related Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.172, 93.286, 93.368.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-06-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-07-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA HG 21 025

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