New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics, Bioinformatics, or Bioengineering and Biomedical Imaging Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 21 041

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 21 041

The New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics, Bioinformatics, or Bioengineering and Biomedical Imaging Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) opportunity (RFA-HG-21-041) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program that uses the R01 research project grant mechanism to support independent, investigator-initiated biomedical research. The focus is on projects that fall within the mission areas of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), and the All of Us Research Program. In practical terms, this means proposed studies should align with genomics and genomic medicine, bioinformatics and computational approaches relevant to those domains, and/or bioengineering and biomedical imaging research topics that fit the participating NIH components. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which means applicants may propose studies that include a clinical trial if appropriate, but a clinical trial is not required.

A central purpose of this FOA is workforce development through research funding, specifically by strengthening the pipeline of independent researchers from diverse backgrounds. It is designed to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) and New Investigators as defined by NIH policy (with the linked NIH guidance serving as the reference point for eligibility definitions). The intent is to expand participation of scientists from groups underrepresented in the health-related sciences and to help these investigators establish or solidify independent research programs through an R01-level award. In other words, the program is not just about funding good science in the targeted technical areas; it is also about reducing structural gaps in who has access to major independent research funding early in their careers.

Eligibility is broad across many U.S.-based organization types that commonly apply for NIH grants. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and a wide range of nonprofit entities (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education when specified). For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses are also listed as eligible. The FOA also highlights additional categories of eligible applicant organizations that are closely tied to the diversity mission, 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 (AANAPISI), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and applicants located in a U.S. territory or possession.

At the same time, the FOA places clear limits on foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic (non-U.S.) institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, "foreign components" are allowed as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S. applicant can include certain types of foreign involvement (for example, specific activities performed outside the U.S.) if they meet NIH policy requirements and are justified scientifically. This structure keeps the applicant organization domestic while still permitting limited international elements when they materially strengthen the research.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding instrument is a grant under an NIH R01 mechanism, and the activity category is listed under health (with CFDA numbers 93.837 and 93.847). The FOA was created on 2021-08-05, and the original closing date provided in the source data is 2024-02-22. The excerpted record does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards, so applicants would typically need to consult the full FOA text and any NIH guide notices for budget guidance, institute-specific limits, and current application cycle details. Overall, the program can be understood as an NIH effort to couple standard R01-scale independent research support with a targeted goal of increasing representation and long-term career success of ESIs and New Investigators working in genomics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and biomedical imaging, including research connected to the All of Us Research Program where relevant.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity in Genomics, Bioinformatics, or Bioengineering and Biomedical Imaging 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): 93.837, 93.847.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-08-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-02-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• 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 21 041

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