Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant (R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Human Required)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecasted Notice of Intent to publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant (R01). This opportunity is intended for Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) looking to pursue research that diverges from their prior work and training. The grant is named in honor of Stephen I. Katz, a renowned immunologist and former director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The FOA is specifically designed to support new research directions without requiring preliminary data, fostering innovative approaches and exploration in new scientific areas. The primary objective of this FOA is to enable ESIs to initiate research in a distinctly different direction from their previous experience. Applicants are expected to propose projects that do not represent incremental advances or extensions of prior work but instead signify a significant shift in focus. Eligible projects can be based on the investigator's existing expertise but must propose novel hypotheses, methods, techniques, or targets. The inclusion of multiple Principal Investigators is allowed, provided all are ESIs and the project constitutes a change in research direction for each. The FOA specifically targets basic science experimental studies involving humans, which are described as “prospective basic science studies involving human participants.” These studies fall under the NIH definition of clinical trials but are designed to understand fundamental phenomena rather than to develop applications. Studies must involve the experimental manipulation of variables and assessment of outcomes in human participants without direct intent for product or process development. Studies that do not meet this criterion should be directed to a ‘Clinical Trial Not Allowed’ FOA instead. Applicants are strongly encouraged to align their project proposals with the missions of participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Communication with program directors is advised before submission to ensure appropriateness and alignment with programmatic interests. This forecasted opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds and is expected to issue awards beginning July 1, 2026. The anticipated release date for the FOA is July 26, 2025, with applications due by September 26, 2025. Projects funded through this opportunity will commence on July 1, 2026. Although total program funding and individual award amounts are not yet specified, the opportunity includes multiple assistance listings, reflecting its broad relevance across multiple health research domains. For more information or inquiries, interested parties should contact the Division of Biomedical Research Workforce at the Office of Extramural Research, NIH. Contact can be made via email at nihtrain@mail.nih.gov or phone at 301-496-0180.