GREGoRi Innovation Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), intends to launch a new funding initiative titled GREGoRi Innovation Projects under the U01 activity code. This funding opportunity, which is still in forecast status, aims to support proof of concept studies that develop innovative strategies for identifying genes or variants associated with rare genetic disorders. The NHGRI seeks to encourage proposals that go beyond conventional DNA sequencing and instead explore novel molecular technologies. This initiative prioritizes early-stage research that evaluates the effectiveness of using alternative molecular methods such as RNA sequencing or methylation as an initial investigative step. Projects utilizing emerging multi-omics approaches are particularly welcomed. Successful technologies validated through these studies may be integrated into the NHGRI Technology Integration Center in subsequent phases of the program. Applications will be solicited via a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), anticipated to be released in September 2025. The application deadline is expected to be November 4, 2025, with awards to be announced by July 6, 2026. Projects will commence on or after the award date. The grant falls under the cooperative agreement funding instrument, offering discretionary support and involvement from NHGRI program staff throughout the research period. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state and county governments, independent school districts, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), for-profit entities (excluding small businesses), small businesses, public housing authorities, and both public and private institutions of higher education. The forecast notice does not specify the total program funding, award ceiling, or floor amounts at this time. It also confirms that no cost-sharing or matching is required for applicants. This early announcement is intended to provide ample time for potential applicants to form collaborations and design strong, responsive proposals. For more information, interested parties may contact Lisa H. Chadwick at the National Human Genome Research Institute via email at lisa.chadwick@nih.gov or by phone at 301-435-7275. The opportunity is listed under assistance listing number 93.172 for Human Genome Research.