Investigator Initiated Innovation in Computational Genomics and Data Science (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This opportunity supports investigator-initiated research projects that advance innovation in computational genomics, data science, statistics, and bioinformatics. The focus is on developing new analytical methodologies, early-stage tools and software, and refining or hardening software of high value to the biomedical genomics community. Projects must be broadly enabling for genomics, generalizable across diseases and biological systems, and scalable to large datasets. The program is designed to catalyze advances that are widely applicable to human health and disease, rather than incremental improvements or disease-specific solutions.

Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Visualization tools for large genomic datasets
• Genetically informed causal inference methods
• Machine learning and AI for genomics, including generative AI, model validation, and benchmarking
• Privacy-preserving technologies for controlled-access human genomic and clinical data
• Methods to improve efficiency and scalability of compute-intensive genomic analyses
• Integration of AI in experimental workflows for data generation
• Federated learning methodologies for distributed genomic data and models

Applicants are encouraged to propose creative, forward-thinking research beyond these examples.

Note: Projects focused on microbial genomics, maintenance/extension of existing resources, non-generalizable methods, ontology/curation, or basic data science not developed for genomics are not responsive and will not be reviewed.

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Due Dates

• New Applications: June 16, 2025 | February 16, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | February 16, 2027 | June 16, 2027
• Renewal/Resubmission/Revision: July 16, 2025 | March 16, 2026 | July 16, 2026 | March 16, 2027 | July 16, 2027

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• Direct Costs: Up to $275,000 total for the 2-year project period
• Annual Limit: No more than $200,000 in any single year
• Project Duration: Maximum 2 years
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications

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Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
• For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
• State, county, city, township, and special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Native American tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized and other)
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Faith-based and community-based organizations
• Regional organizations
• U.S. territories and possessions
• Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) and foreign components of U.S. organizations

Individuals: Any qualified individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources to carry out the proposed research may apply.

Note: Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided each is scientifically distinct.

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using the NIH ASSIST system, institutional system-to-system solutions, or Grants.gov Workspace.
• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must have active registrations in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Registration can take 6+ weeks.
• Application Instructions: Follow the NIH Research (R) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Page Limits: Adhere to NIH standard page limits for R21 applications.
• Budget: Use the modular or detailed budget as appropriate; foreign organizations must use the detailed R&R Budget Form.
• Resource Sharing: Include a robust plan for sharing methods, tools, and software, following FAIR principles where applicable.
• Data Management: All applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: Not allowed under this opportunity.
• Experimental Work: Up to 10% of the total budget may be used for experimental work to evaluate computational approaches.
• Annual Grantee Meeting: Awardees are required to participate in an annual NHGRI grantee meeting.
• Contact Program Staff: Strongly encouraged to contact NHGRI program staff to discuss alignment with program goals before applying.
• Non-Responsive Applications: Projects focused on microbial genomics, maintenance/extension of existing resources, or not broadly generalizable will not be reviewed.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Announcement (PAR-25-229)
• NIH Application Guide (Forms-H)
• NHGRI Program Staff Contacts
• NIH Standard Due Dates
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

For additional contacts, see Section VII. Agency Contacts in the full announcement.