Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The "Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health" funding opportunity (PAR-22-109) issued by the NIH, particularly under the National Cancer Institute, supports research aimed at advancing the spread and integration of evidence-based interventions across health and community settings. This funding program encourages studies that explore methods to overcome barriers to the adoption, scaling, and sustainability of health interventions, especially those that promote equitable health outcomes for underrepresented communities. Research that investigates how best to phase out ineffective or low-value practices is also encouraged. This grant supports projects that improve the dissemination and implementation of health interventions that may have seen reduced use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program also funds research in implementation science methods and metrics, which include studies targeting the reintroduction of evidence-based health services like cancer screenings. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, various levels of government, and tribal entities. Both domestic and foreign institutions are eligible, as are faith-based and community-based organizations. Key stakeholders such as healthcare providers, public health practitioners, community organizations, and policymakers are encouraged to be part of the research teams, especially for proposals focusing on community-level or clinical settings. Notably, collaborations with underrepresented populations are a priority, and proposals should be consistent with the mission of the participating NIH institutes, which include the NCI, NHGRI, NIA, NIAAA, among others. Projects should have a maximum budget of $275,000 over two years, with no more than $200,000 in any single year. The project period can be up to two years, with the possibility of submitting either new or resubmitted applications. Applications may include clinical trials but are not required to. Applications should adhere to the guidelines in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, and they must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan, effective January 25, 2023. Failure to comply with guidelines or registration requirements could lead to delays or rejection. Evaluation criteria emphasize the significance of the proposed project, innovation in dissemination and implementation methods, and the suitability of research design and approach. Applications should outline the importance of the proposed work to public health, the potential for broad impact, and attention to equity. Other considerations include the scientific merit of the research, the expertise of the applicant team in implementation science, and their ability to mobilize institutional resources and partnerships to scale findings. Successful applications are expected to demonstrate how results can inform practical implementation in diverse health and community settings. Applications have multiple due dates across annual cycles, with deadlines approximately in June, October, and February. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent 30 days before these due dates. Submission must be done through NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov systems, and applicants are advised to apply early to resolve any submission issues before the deadline. Interested parties may contact the NIH Office of Extramural Research for technical support, or directly connect with specific NIH program officers associated with the institutes involved. The primary program contact for NCI is Gila Neta, who can provide additional guidance for prospective applicants to ensure alignment with program objectives. This funding opportunity is an important mechanism through which the NIH seeks to facilitate the widespread and equitable adoption of health research outcomes across the U.S. and globally.