NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NIH's R21 grant funds high-risk, early-stage research with potential for breakthroughs in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical fields, excluding clinical trials.
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Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: October 16, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | February 16, 2027 | March 16, 2027 | June 16, 2027 | July 16, 2027 | October 16, 2027 | November 16, 2027 | January 7, 2028 (AIDS) | January 7, 2028 (Closing)
Funding Amounts: Up to $275,000 direct costs over 2 years; no more than $200,000 in any single year; project period max 2 years.
Summary: Supports early-stage, high-risk exploratory or developmental research in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical science; clinical trials are not allowed.
Description
This opportunity funds exploratory and developmental research projects at the early and conceptual stages, particularly those that are high-risk but potentially high-reward. The mechanism is intended to support novel scientific ideas, model systems, tools, agents, targets, and technologies that can substantially advance biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research. Projects must be distinct from traditional R01 research, focusing on new directions or applications rather than incremental advances in established areas. Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding announcement.
