Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) 2025

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), has forecasted a funding opportunity titled “Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)” under opportunity number NOT-DC-25-033. This grant falls within the discretionary funding category and is set to support early-stage research aimed at bridging the gap between evidence-based innovations (EBIs) and their practical application in real-world settings. The funding instrument type for this opportunity is a grant, and it is associated with Assistance Listing Number 93.173, related to research on deafness and communication disorders. The objective of this forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support research focused on dissemination and implementation (D&I) science in areas aligned with the NIDCD mission—namely hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. D&I science explores how EBIs can be more effectively distributed and adopted across healthcare and community settings. Dissemination research specifically studies how to best communicate EBI information to targeted audiences, while implementation science examines the barriers and facilitators to EBI adoption, aiming to develop strategies that enhance their integration into clinical practice and community use. Although the opportunity is not currently accepting applications, the notice provides potential applicants with advanced insight into the funding scope and allows time to build appropriate collaborations and project designs. It is intended for those planning to apply for the R21 activity code funding mechanism. This includes investigators with current expertise in D&I as well as researchers in NIDCD-specific areas who wish to explore the potential application of D&I frameworks in their work. Collaborative proposals that combine these areas of expertise are particularly encouraged. The estimated posting date for this opportunity is August 8, 2025, with an expected application due date of October 10, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced by June 1, 2026, and funded projects may begin as early as July 1, 2026. The total estimated program funding is $1,000,000, though specific award ceilings and floors have not yet been specified. There is no matching requirement for this funding opportunity. The forecast does not specify a number of expected awards. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities: state governments, county governments, city or township governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized), and public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities. There is no geographic restriction; the grant is available to eligible entities nationwide. Potential applicants with questions may contact Dr. Holly L. Storkel at the NIDCD. She can be reached by phone at 301-496-5061 or via email at holly.storkel@nih.gov. The purpose of this forecast is to offer sufficient preparation time for researchers to align their project ideas with the stated goals and structure high-quality proposals. While application materials are not yet available, interested parties should begin planning and collaborating to respond effectively once the NOFO is officially posted.

Encourages early collaboration and integration of D&I expertise with domain-specific knowledge; begin planning before NOFO release.