Toolkits for Dissemination of Genomic Technologies

The National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health, is announcing a forecasted funding opportunity titled Toolkits for Dissemination of Genomic Technologies. This initiative addresses a recurring challenge in genomic research, where new laboratory technologies and methodologies are developed within individual laboratories but remain underutilized by the wider scientific community due to barriers in access, reproducibility, and implementation. By supporting the creation and dissemination of integrated toolkits, the program aims to ensure that genomic technologies can be broadly adopted, validated independently, and enhanced through community feedback. The official funding number for this opportunity is PAR-26-037, and it falls under Assistance Listing 93.172 for Human Genome Research. The purpose of this funding program is to lower barriers to technology adoption by providing developers with resources to distribute complete toolkits that include reagents, hardware, protocols, computational pipelines, and where appropriate, training workshops. These toolkits are expected to equip the broader scientific community with practical, standardized means to implement and test genomic technologies. Additionally, the program envisions a feedback loop where user input can guide further refinement of these tools, thereby increasing their reliability, maturity, and long-term integration into research practices. The scope of funding is specific to health-related research, with awards limited to a ceiling of $50,000. An estimated 15 awards are expected to be distributed. The program does not require cost sharing or matching, which broadens accessibility for applicants with limited institutional resources. While the total program funding has not been disclosed, the assistance listing and award ceiling indicate a relatively focused investment in dissemination rather than large-scale development of new genomic methods. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include state, local, county, and tribal governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities. Eligible institutions also include public and private universities, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit entities including small businesses, and special district governments. Additional categories of eligibility extend to faith-based and community organizations, regional organizations, non-domestic foreign institutions, and eligible agencies of the federal government. This wide eligibility scope reflects the program’s intent to engage a diverse applicant pool with varying capacities to distribute and apply genomic technologies. The forecasted timeline for this funding opportunity begins with a posting date of March 25, 2026, and an estimated application due date of June 24, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced on April 1, 2027, with funded projects beginning the same day. As a forecasted opportunity, the current status is early engagement, meaning that the application package is not yet open but will be forthcoming. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are noted at this stage. The program is expected to recur, following NIH’s pattern for similar program announcements. Applications will be reviewed according to NIH’s standard evaluation procedures, with criteria focused on the significance of the toolkit, its potential to increase adoption of genomic technologies, and the quality of the dissemination plan. While the notice does not provide application questions or tips, applicants can expect requirements consistent with NIH submissions. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor the official posting for additional documentation once it becomes available. For inquiries, the grant contact is Ian Nova, who can be reached by phone at 240-987-2885 or via email at ian.nova@nih.gov. As this opportunity is in the forecast stage, applicants are advised to prepare by aligning their dissemination projects with NIH’s broader objectives in human genome research and reviewing standard NIH application procedures.