Funder: National Institutes of Health - https://www.nih.gov
Due Dates: January 7, 2028 (Next due date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000 in direct costs per year for small research projects, typically short-term (R21 mechanism)
Summary: Supports small health-related research projects by new investigators from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to broaden participation and facilitate transition to research independence.
Key Information: New investigators must have less than $125,000 in direct costs of combined research funding (excluding NIH training and career awards). Clinical trial optional.
Description
This funding opportunity supports new investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups nationally underrepresented in biomedical research, to conduct small-scale research projects aligned with the scientific mission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and participating NIH Institutes and Centers.
The grant mechanism is an R21, which is designed for exploratory and developmental research projects that can be completed in a short period with limited resources. It supports various project types such as pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, development of research methodology, and new research technology.
The program aims to broaden participation in health-related research and facilitate the transition of new investigators to research independence. Eligible applicants are those who, at the time of award, have had less than $125,000 in direct costs of combined research funding (excluding NIH training and career awards).
This opportunity allows for clinical trials but does not require them.
Due Dates
- Next standard due date: January 7, 2028
- Standard NIH R21 due dates typically occur multiple times per year; check NIH funding announcements for exact dates.
Funding Amount
- Direct costs up to $125,000 per year
- Typically supports projects of up to 2 years duration
- Total funding and duration may vary by specific NIH Institute or Center participation
Eligibility
- New investigators with less than $125,000 in direct costs of combined research funding (excluding NIH training and career awards) at the time of award
- Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in biomedical research
- Eligible applicant organizations include:
- State, county, city, and special district governments
- Public and private institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments and organizations
- Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others as specified by NIH
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted using the SF424 (R&R) application package with Forms Version H
- Follow NIH Research Application Guide instructions for R21 applications
- Include all required components such as:
- Project Summary/Abstract
- Specific Aims
- Research Strategy (Significance, Innovation, Approach)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches for key personnel
- Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information (if applicable)
- Data Management and Sharing Plan (if required)
- Use NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional submission systems for application submission
- Consult the NIH Grants Policy Statement and application guide for detailed instructions and compliance requirements
- Sensitive personal information (PII/PHI) must not be included in the application
- Applicants are encouraged to contact NIH Scientific/Research contacts for guidance prior to submission
Additional Information
- This R21 mechanism is intended to support small, exploratory projects that can be completed quickly and with limited resources
- The program encourages applications that develop new methodologies or technologies relevant to NIDDK’s mission
- Applicants proposing clinical trials must follow NIH policies on clinical trial registration and reporting
- Data Management and Sharing Plans are required for applicable applications and should be included as per NIH policy
- Foreign organizations must use the detailed R&R Budget Form and comply with NIH policies on foreign components
- Applications involving human subjects or vertebrate animals must include appropriate protections and approvals
- Letters of support, consortium agreements, and other attachments should follow NIH formatting and content guidelines
External Links
Contact Information