Investigator Initiated Research in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) offers the "Investigator Initiated Research in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" funding opportunity, aimed at supporting innovative research projects in computational genomics, data science, bioinformatics, and statistical methodologies. This program supports foundational genomics research and the development or refinement of tools that advance both basic and clinical genomic sciences. The initiative prioritizes research applicable across multiple diseases and biological systems to benefit human health broadly. A range of computational research areas is encouraged, including novel bioinformatics methods, scalable software solutions for large genomic datasets, and integration of genomic data with health information systems. Applicants may propose projects in various research domains, such as machine learning for genomic data, interactive data visualization, causal statistical modeling, or AI-driven tools for data interpretation. Other supported areas include developing tools for identifying clinically relevant genetic variants, enhancing secure data sharing, and linking genomic data to electronic health records for clinical decision support. Projects aimed at improving existing genomics software or making them more robust, scalable, or interoperable are also eligible. This FOA encourages applications that go beyond single-disease studies, focusing on methods with generalizable applications across health research domains. Award budgets may be up to $500,000 in direct costs annually, with a maximum project duration of five years. This funding is open to higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, and certain foreign institutions. NHGRI encourages new investigators, those from underrepresented backgrounds, and investigators from institutions new to genomic research to apply. Applications must be submitted electronically, following NIH’s SF424 (R&R) guidelines and meeting all outlined requirements. A Data Management and Sharing Plan is mandatory, outlining how data, tools, and software will be made publicly accessible. Applications are reviewed on standard NIH review dates, and applicants should contact NHGRI program staff to ensure alignment with the funding priorities. Applications will be evaluated based on significance, innovation, the rigor of the scientific approach, and relevance to the NHGRI mission. Important review criteria include the project’s potential to advance genomics research, the investigators' expertise, methodological robustness, and the research environment. Considerations also include the project's adherence to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles, especially for scalability and integration with existing data standards. The NHGRI emphasizes open dissemination of tools and methods developed under this FOA, encouraging robust documentation and compatibility with community standards. Applicants are expected to provide detailed plans for sharing code and methods with the broader genomics community, including making resources available in public repositories. Grantees must also participate in annual NHGRI meetings to foster collaborative progress within the field. This FOA is active through January 8, 2025, and allows for renewals, resubmissions, and revisions of previously funded projects to facilitate continuous advancement in computational genomics research.