Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Funding available for research on ethical, legal, and social impacts of human genetics and genomics, with focus on new technologies and stakeholder involvement.
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Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: November 18, 2026 (Resubmissions / final closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $275,000 in direct costs over two or three years; maximum $200,000 in any year
Summary: Supports exploratory and developmental research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics and genomics.
Key Information: Preliminary data are not required; clinical trials are optional.
Description
This NIH R21 opportunity supports exploratory or developmental studies of the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Projects may break new ground, extend earlier discoveries in new directions, or generate preliminary data for larger studies. Single-method and mixed-method studies are welcome, including empirical qualitative and quantitative research, conceptual work, legal analysis, normative analysis, and applied research addressing real-world ELSI issues.
Research on emerging genomic technologies and novel uses of genomic information is of particular interest. Applications must fit the mission of a participating NIH Institute or Center. Multidisciplinary teams are encouraged, spanning fields such as bioethics, humanities, social sciences, law, genomics, medicine, public health, and data science. Community and stakeholder engagement is encouraged but not required.
