[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov/)

February 16, 2026 (estimated)

R21 grant mechanism; typical award size and duration to be specified in forthcoming NOFO

Supports new and early-stage investigators pursuing innovative, interdisciplinary research integrating engineering/physical sciences with life or biomedical sciences.

This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not being accepted yet.

--- ## Description The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), in partnership with the National Eye Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, intends to publish a funding opportunity for the Trailblazer Award. This award will support NIH-defined New and Early Stage Investigators seeking to conduct innovative research at the intersection of engineering, physical sciences, and biomedical/life sciences. Projects may be exploratory, developmental, proof-of-concept, or high-risk/high-impact, and can be technology design-directed, discovery-driven, or hypothesis-driven. The goal is to encourage transdisciplinary research that opens new areas of biomedical investigation, especially for those with expertise in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, or related quantitative sciences. Notice is being provided in advance to allow potential applicants time to develop collaborations and responsive projects. The official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will use the R21 activity code. --- ## Due Dates - Estimated application due date: February 16, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Funding mechanism: R21 grant - Typical award size and duration will be outlined in the forthcoming NOFO. - No cost-sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) - Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) - Small businesses Applicants must meet NIH's definition of New or Early Stage Investigator. See [NIH policy](https://grants.nih.gov/policy/early-investigators/index.htm) for details. --- ## Application Process - The official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published at a later date. - Applications are not being solicited at this time. - Interested investigators should begin to develop collaborations and project ideas in anticipation of the NOFO release. - The R21 activity code will be used. --- ## Additional Information - This is a forecasted opportunity; details may change upon official NOFO publication. - Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches. - Projects may be high-risk/high-impact and are encouraged to open new biomedical research areas. --- ## External Links - [Opportunity details on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358886) - [NIH Early Stage Investigator Policy](https://grants.nih.gov/policy/early-investigators/index.htm) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Affiliation | Email | Phone | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------| | Randy King | National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering | [Randy.King@nih.gov](mailto:Randy.King@nih.gov) | 301-451-0707 |

Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Trailblazer Award for New and Early-Stage Investigators (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

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