The Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity, identified by Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-144, is a grant provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This opportunity supports studies aimed at identifying, developing, and testing strategies for effectively disseminating and implementing evidence-based interventions across clinical, community, and policy settings. It focuses on bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy by supporting research that fosters the uptake, integration, and sustainability of proven interventions to improve health outcomes and health equity.
The primary objectives of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) are to promote equitable dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions, develop innovative methods and measures for implementation research, and understand how best to de-implement low-value or harmful practices. Eligible applications should target adoption, integration, and scaling of proven health interventions in real-world settings and populations, particularly those experiencing disparities. Projects may also involve re-implementation in contexts disrupted by disasters such as pandemics or climate change.
Funding is available through multiple NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute on Aging (NIA), and others. The NOFO outlines a variety of research topics, ranging from implementation strategy testing, culturally tailored approaches, economic evaluations, policy implementation, and context-sensitive strategy adaptation. Projects must clearly justify the choice of implementation frameworks, identify contextual variables, and utilize validated outcome measures. Multidisciplinary and stakeholder-engaged teams are strongly encouraged.
Applicants must follow standard NIH submission processes, including registrations in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Letters of intent are due 30 days before application due dates, which follow NIH’s standard cycle. Applications are accepted multiple times annually with deadlines on February 5, June 5, and October 5 through January 2028. Awards are not limited in budget but must be justified by project needs, and the maximum project period is five years. Applications proposing $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year must obtain prior approval.
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, governments, school districts, tribal governments and organizations, housing authorities, regional organizations, and some foreign organizations. All projects must be within the mission of one or more participating NIH ICs. The opportunity supports both new and renewal applications and allows for optional clinical trials.
Evaluation criteria are organized into three main factors: Importance of the Research, Rigor and Feasibility, and Expertise and Resources. Reviewers assess the potential public health impact, innovative approach, and capacity for sustaining implementation beyond the funding period. Applications must also include a Data Management and Sharing Plan and follow all NIH policies and procedures related to human subjects, data sharing, and compliance.
