Resource-Related Research Projects for Development of Models and Related Materials for Studying Human Health and Diseases (R24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives, and specifically the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), is reissuing a funding opportunity announcement (RFA-OD-25-010) under the R24 Resource-Related Research Projects mechanism. This opportunity seeks to promote the development, enhancement, and dissemination of research models and related resources that have broad utility across multiple biomedical disciplines. Aligned with ORIP’s NIH-wide mission, this initiative emphasizes the development of models and tools that are applicable to multiple organ systems and relevant to the interests of more than one NIH Institute or Center. The program’s overarching goal is to improve understanding of human health and disease by supporting the creation and accessibility of resources that can catalyze advances in biomedical research. The scope of eligible projects under this funding opportunity is extensive, reflecting ORIP’s strategic focus on enhancing research infrastructure and tools. Projects may include the development of novel biology-based new approach methodologies (NAMs), genetically engineered or naturally occurring animal models, and related biological materials like nucleic acids, proteins, and cell cultures. Also supported are initiatives to improve computational and informatics tools, such as machine learning systems that integrate genomic and phenotypic data, and technological innovations that strengthen model reproducibility and translational value. To be eligible, proposed resources must be applicable to research supported by multiple NIH ICs and address conditions or biological processes impacting multiple organ systems. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the need for their proposed resource, how it will benefit and be used by a broad biomedical research community, and how it will remain accessible post-funding. They are required to include a replication and validation plan for models and tools developed, and a sustainability plan for continued resource availability, such as deposition into widely accessible databases or stock centers. Cost recovery mechanisms are not required, and applications narrowly focused on a specific disease or limited to one NIH IC’s interests are not eligible. Furthermore, applications proposing limited scope projects, or involving human biological specimens or endangered species, are excluded from consideration. The funding mechanism for this opportunity is a grant, with applications accepted under new, renewal, resubmission, or revision categories. The NIH anticipates a budget of $5 million annually from FY 2026 through FY 2029, supporting a minimum of six awards each year. There is no set budget ceiling, but requests must be reasonable and commensurate with the scope of work. For renewals, a maximum 5% increase in direct costs compared to the highest funded year in the previous cycle is allowed. Projects can last up to four years. Clinical trials are not permitted under this NOFO. The application process opens December 27, 2025, with multiple due dates available through September 28, 2028. Submissions must be completed electronically via one of three platforms: NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system portals. All required registrations (e.g., SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov) must be in place before submission. A full application, conforming to the NIH “How to Apply” guidelines, is required, and adherence to instructions is strictly enforced. Human and animal research components, if applicable, must follow all NIH ethical and procedural standards. For scientific inquiries, applicants are advised to contact ORIP at [email protected] or reach out to the INCLUDE Project for Down syndrome-specific initiatives at [email protected]. Financial management queries should be directed to [email protected]. Awards are anticipated in cycles from December 2026 to July 2029, with review and council meetings held in between. Applications not conforming to the guidelines, or lacking cross-IC relevance and multi-system applicability, will not be considered. This funding opportunity aligns with NIH’s broader goals of expanding high-impact, reproducible, and translatable research infrastructure across biomedical domains.

Ensure NIH-wide relevance (multiple ICs); validate and replicate models; include sustainability plan for post-award resource sharing