Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 23 018

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 23 018

The Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity (RFA-HG-23-018) is a National Institutes of Health grant led by NHGRI that aims to move genomics research in a direction that more directly supports health equity in the United States. The core idea is to fund innovative, investigator-driven projects that develop practical approaches, generate and share useful data, and create or test metrics, methods, or interventions that make the benefits of genomics more equitable across U.S. populations. Projects are expected to be generalizable and relevant beyond a single setting, and they should connect to NHGRI scientific priorities while keeping health equity as the central outcome.

This is an R21 mechanism, meaning it is designed for small, time-limited studies that can be completed with relatively limited resources. In practice, that makes it well-suited for early proof-of-concept work, pilot and feasibility studies, or focused projects that fill a specific gap needed to justify a larger future study. The announcement explicitly notes several project types that fit the R21 format: pilot or feasibility research, secondary analysis of existing datasets, small self-contained studies, development of research methods, and development of new research technologies. Clinical trials are optional, so applicants can propose either clinical trial or non-clinical trial research, as long as it fits the genomics and health equity purpose.

A key expectation is that applicants build in a plan to ensure inclusive and diverse perspectives in how the research is designed and conducted. That generally implies strong, thoughtful engagement with the populations who are meant to benefit from the work, and attention to participation, representation, measurement, and dissemination so the outputs do not reinforce existing inequities. The program is also intentionally supportive of the research pipeline: applications from New Investigators and Early Stage Investigators, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, are encouraged, and the R21 structure is positioned as a way to help investigators generate the early evidence needed to transition toward research independence.

Eligibility is broad and includes many kinds of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants listed include state, county, and city or township governments; 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 other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities. The opportunity also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as 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), as well as faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

There are important limits related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as NIH defines them in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning the main applicant must be eligible and U.S.-based, but certain well-justified parts of the work may be carried out with foreign collaborators or in foreign settings if permitted under NIH policy and properly described.

The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health area and lists CFDA numbers 93.172, 93.313, and 93.866. The award ceiling shown in the source data is $200,000. The original closing date provided is 2025-07-08.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity (R21 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, 93.313, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-06-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-07-08. (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 $200,000.00 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 23 018

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