Supporting Talented Early Career Researchers in Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 25 009

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 25 009

Supporting Talented Early Career Researchers in Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) designed to find and back exceptionally promising Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) who are committed to building long-term, independent research careers in genomics. The central goal is to provide substantial R01-level support so early career researchers can pursue innovative, high-impact ideas at a stage when establishing momentum, publications, and a clear research niche is especially important. The announcement is intentionally broad in scientific scope, signaling that NHGRI is looking for creativity and strong potential rather than limiting applicants to a narrow set of topics.

The research areas eligible under this announcement span the full range of NHGRI's mission. This includes core genomic sciences (such as genome biology, functional genomics, technology development, and methods), genomic medicine (including approaches that connect genomic variation to health and disease and translate findings toward clinical understanding or use), and genomic data science (such as computational methods, statistical genetics, data integration, and scalable analysis strategies). It also explicitly welcomes projects in the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics, reflecting the institute's interest in work that addresses responsible data use, privacy, equity, consent, access, and the real-world societal impacts of genomic research and applications. The "Clinical Trial Optional" label means proposed studies may include clinical trials when appropriate, but a clinical trial is not required; applicants can propose either trial or non-trial research as long as it fits the program goals and NIH rules.

From an eligibility standpoint, the opportunity is open to a wide mix of applicant organizations, which is typical for NIH R01 programs but also includes an explicit emphasis on institutions and organizations that broaden participation. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; public and state-controlled universities; private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses; and other organizations that meet NIH requirements. The announcement also calls out additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and U.S. territories or possessions. This list signals an effort to ensure the program is accessible across many organizational types and settings, including those that serve historically underrepresented communities.

There are important limits related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. At the same time, "foreign components" are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include certain kinds of international collaboration or activities when they meet NIH's definition and are appropriately justified and documented. Practically, this often supports scientifically necessary international partnerships while keeping the main award and leadership anchored in an eligible U.S. applicant institution.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity using the NIH R01 mechanism under the health funding activity category, with CFDA number 93.172. The funding opportunity number is RFA-HG-25-009, and it was created on 2024-12-16. The listed original closing date is 2027-02-26, indicating a multi-year window during which applications may be accepted according to the announcement's schedule and NIH submission policies. The source data provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would need to consult the full FOA text or NHGRI updates for budget expectations, typical award sizes, number of awards per round (if applicable), and any institute-specific priorities for particular receipt dates.

Overall, the opportunity can be read as a targeted investment in people as much as in projects: NHGRI is looking for early career researchers with standout promise who want to push genomics forward, whether through fundamental discoveries, new analytic and computational frameworks, clinically relevant genomics, or rigorous work on the ethical and societal dimensions that accompany genomic advances. The breadth of eligible science and the wide range of eligible applicant institutions are meant to make it easier for strong ESI-led ideas in genomics to compete, develop, and mature into sustained, independent research programs.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Supporting Talented Early Career Researchers in Genomics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.172.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-02-26.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA HG 25 009

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