NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21) is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health. This grant mechanism supports early-stage, high-risk research that has the potential to produce significant advances in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical science. The program is designed to stimulate the development of innovative ideas, model systems, technologies, or methodologies that can advance the understanding and treatment of human health conditions. The R21 mechanism specifically targets projects in their formative phase where preliminary data may be limited but conceptual innovation is high. The participating NIH Institutes and Centers include the National Eye Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Cancer Institute, and numerous others, each aligned with the broad NIH mission to improve public health through science. Projects must fit within the mission areas of these participating components. Applicants are encouraged to consult the R21 IC-Specific Scientific Interests and Contact resource to ensure that their proposed research aligns with an institute’s focus. Applications proposing clinical trials are not accepted under this announcement. This program supports new, resubmission, and revision applications for a maximum two-year project period. The combined budget for direct costs may not exceed $275,000, with no more than $200,000 requested in a single year. There are no matching fund requirements or cost-sharing obligations. Funding levels depend on annual NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications received. Projects of limited cost and scope using established methods are encouraged to apply under other mechanisms such as the NIH Small Research Grant (R03). Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign public or private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities, governments at all levels, tribal governments, and other organizations. Individuals with appropriate scientific expertise are eligible to serve as principal investigators. Applicants must complete all required registrations, including SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and NCAGE (for foreign entities), before submission. Non-domestic entities and foreign components of U.S. organizations are eligible to apply, ensuring broad global participation in NIH-supported science. Applications are submitted electronically via ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. All submissions must conform to NIH’s application instructions as outlined in the “How to Apply – Application Guide.” The program does not require a letter of intent and follows NIH’s standard due dates of February 16, June 16, and October 16 annually for new applications. AIDS-related applications follow additional due dates. All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Evaluation is based on NIH’s peer review process, emphasizing scientific significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator qualifications. Reviewers assess how well a project addresses important scientific questions and its potential to advance knowledge. Successful applications move to Advisory Council review before potential funding. Awards are administered under the NIH Grants Policy Statement and applicable federal regulations. Award notices are issued electronically to successful applicants. The program is recurring annually, with the next cycle expected to open in January 2026. For inquiries, applicants may contact GrantsInfo@nih.gov or the NIH eRA Service Desk for submission assistance.