Ancillary Studies to Ongoing Clinical Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) 2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Ancillary Studies to Ongoing Clinical Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This grant initiative is designed to support researchers interested in conducting ancillary studies that utilize resources from ongoing parent clinical studies. These resources can include well-characterized patient cohorts, infrastructure, data, and biological samples. While the parent studies themselves do not need to fall within the NIAMS mission, the ancillary studies must directly contribute to NIAMS objectives. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to enhance the research scope of existing clinical studies by encouraging ancillary studies that align with NIAMS’s research priorities. This includes diseases and conditions related to arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, and skin diseases. The opportunity provides a strategic pathway for investigators to extend the value of ongoing clinical studies by generating additional scientific insights without initiating new clinical trials. This funding opportunity strictly excludes applications proposing new clinical trials. NIAMS is offering this notice as a forecast to allow potential applicants sufficient time to prepare competitive applications. Investigators are encouraged to initiate collaboration and project development well in advance. Those with relevant clinical research expertise and a strong foundation in musculoskeletal, rheumatologic, or dermatologic research are especially encouraged to consider this opportunity. Collaborative projects combining clinical and translational research expertise are also welcomed. The estimated total program funding is $2,000,000, with an expected four awards. Specific award ceilings and floors have not been announced and may be clarified in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). There is no matching requirement for this funding. Applicants must come from eligible organizations, which include a wide range of public and private institutions, such as state and local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, tribal organizations, and certain for-profit entities. The estimated application timeline starts with an expected post date of February 4, 2026, and applications are due by April 6, 2026. Awards will be announced by December 4, 2026, which is also the expected project start date. This opportunity is categorized under discretionary health research and is part of the Assistance Listing 93.846, specifically focusing on arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases research. It is currently in a forecasted stage, intended for early engagement rather than immediate application. Applicants seeking more information can contact Dr. Heiyoung Park at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases by phone at 301-827-5992 or by email at Heiyoung.Park@nih.gov. This early notice is designed to encourage the research community to prepare for the upcoming application cycle and build strong, relevant proposals that align with the goals of NIAMS and the broader mission of the NIH.