The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding opportunity (FON: PA-25-080) is designed to support high-quality scientific conferences that are aligned with the NIH’s public health mission. The NIH encourages the organization of symposia, seminars, workshops, or formal meetings to exchange technical information and explore specific scientific issues. The purpose is to foster collaboration, disseminate research, and encourage the development of new insights and strategies in diverse areas of health and science.
This funding opportunity supports conferences that include participants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and applicants are required to submit a plan to promote broad participation. Efforts to create a safe, respectful environment, free from harassment or discrimination, are mandatory for funded conferences. Applicants must include a safety plan in their application, outlining how they will address potential issues such as harassment.
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments, and public or private institutions. Foreign organizations are not eligible, although conferences held internationally may receive support if they are organized by a U.S.-based institution.
The application process begins with contacting a relevant NIH Institute or Center (IC) to seek permission to submit the proposal. Applications without a permission-to-submit letter will not be reviewed. Conferences may be supported for up to five years if a series of annual or biannual events are proposed. Applicants should consult with the NIH for guidance on specific budget requirements.
Key application due dates for new, renewal, and resubmission applications are December 12, 2024, April 12, 2025, August 12, 2025, and subsequent dates through 2027. Applications must be submitted electronically, and budgets must reflect the actual needs of the project. The NIH does not allow funding for certain costs, such as meals or equipment purchases.
