Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 23 017

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HG 23 017

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), is offering the Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity funding opportunity (RFA-HG-23-017) using the R01 grant mechanism, with clinical trials allowed but not required. The central aim is to fund investigator-driven research that meaningfully advances health equity in the context of genomics, ultimately helping ensure that genomic knowledge, tools, and services are developed and used in ways that benefit all U.S. populations rather than widening existing disparities. The program is looking for work that is both innovative and broadly useful (generalizable), and that spans NHGRI scientific areas while keeping health equity as a core focus rather than an add-on.

Projects supported under this opportunity are expected to contribute in practical, real-world ways to equitable genomics. This can include developing new approaches or methods, generating and sharing datasets and other resources, and creating or implementing metrics, strategies, or interventions that improve equitable access to and outcomes from genomics. In other words, applicants are encouraged to move beyond describing disparities and instead propose research that can help measure, reduce, or eliminate inequities tied to genomic research participation, data representation, clinical implementation, and resulting health impacts. A key expectation is that awardees will also include a concrete plan describing how inclusive and diverse perspectives will be incorporated into the research, which signals emphasis on stakeholder engagement and research practices that reflect the communities most affected.

The announcement explicitly encourages applications from New Investigators and Early Stage Investigators, including those from diverse backgrounds. This emphasis is intended to broaden the pool of genomic health equity researchers and strengthen the field by supporting investigators who may bring new perspectives, partnerships, or community-rooted approaches to genomics and its implementation.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other organizations as permitted by NIH. The opportunity also highlights additional categories of applicants it welcomes, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), as well as faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.

Foreign participation is limited in a way that is common for NIH opportunities but is stated explicitly here. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant organization. However, foreign components, as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include certain international elements when they are well-justified and meet NIH policy requirements.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant program in the education and health activity area and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.172, 93.313, 93.399, and 93.866. The application closing date listed is July 8, 2025. The stated award ceiling is $500,000, which typically reflects the maximum amount expected per award under the announcement terms (applicants should still confirm whether this ceiling refers to direct costs per year or total costs, since NIH notices sometimes specify cost structure in the full funding opportunity details).

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity (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, 93.313, 93.399, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-06-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-07-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• 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 23 017

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