Supporting Talented Early Career Researchers in Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The "Supporting Talented Early Career Researchers in Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" program, issued by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) under the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a specialized funding opportunity designed to support exceptionally promising Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) in the field of genomics. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is a reissue of RFA-HG-22-001 and aims to facilitate the establishment of independent research careers by supporting innovative and impactful genomic research projects. It reflects the NIH's ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of genomic scientists, aligned with the Next Generation Researchers Initiative and NHGRI’s broader strategic goals. The grant provides opportunities for researchers at the early stage of their independent careers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or institutions with limited NHGRI funding history. Projects must align with NHGRI’s mission areas, including genomic sciences, genomic medicine, genomic data science, and ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics. Importantly, the scope excludes disease-specific studies that focus on a narrow set of genes or loci, as well as projects that largely overlap with somatic cancer research or general disease mechanisms. Responsive projects are expected to advance foundational knowledge, technologies, or methods that can broadly impact the field of genomics. Applicants must have ESI status at the time of submission, hold an independent faculty appointment (typically at the Assistant Professor level), and commit at least 25% of their research effort to the project. They must also propose a comprehensive plan for professional and scientific development. This includes engaging an advisory committee to provide ongoing feedback and career mentorship. Institutional commitment must be demonstrated via a required support letter from the department chair outlining tangible support such as lab space, protected time, or startup funds. Applications without a complete development plan or institutional support letter will be considered non-responsive. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of U.S.-based entities such as higher education institutions (both public and private), non-profit and for-profit organizations (including small businesses), state and local governments, federally recognized tribal entities, and other community-based organizations. However, non-U.S. entities are not eligible to apply, although foreign components of U.S.-based projects are allowed. All applicant organizations must complete and maintain several registrations including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution. The required components include standard NIH forms and attachments, such as a research strategy, budget, biographical sketches, and a resource sharing plan, alongside the aforementioned development and support plans. Applicants must also comply with NIH’s Data Management and Sharing Policy, and projects involving human genomic data are expected to adhere to NHGRI-specific expectations around broad and timely data sharing. The grant allows for budgets of up to $400,000 in direct costs annually, for project periods of up to five years. NHGRI anticipates committing a minimum of $2 million annually to fund 3–5 awards per cycle, subject to appropriations and the number of meritorious applications. The application cycles follow a recurring annual pattern with submission deadlines on the last Friday of February for each year through 2027. Review and funding decisions follow a standard NIH schedule, with reviews in July, advisory council meetings in October, and earliest possible award starts in December of each year. While clinical trials are optional under this opportunity, applications must clearly outline their trial plans if applicable.

Ensure institutional support and advisory committee plans are fully developed. Avoid prior mentor overlap without justification.