Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA RM 22 020
The NIH Director's Transformative Research Awards (R01 Clinical Trial Optional), funding opportunity number RFA-RM-22-020 (CFDA 93.310), is a National Institutes of Health grant program designed to back research that is genuinely high-risk and high-reward. The core aim is to support individual investigators or teams pursuing ideas that are unusually bold, original, or unconventional, with the potential to reshape how a field thinks about a problem. NIH is looking for projects that could create entirely new scientific paradigms, open up fundamentally new or improved clinical approaches, or produce transformative technologies rather than incremental advances. This program sits within the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research portfolio, which is specifically intended to give promising but nontraditional ideas room to develop.
A key feature of this opportunity is that preliminary data are not required. Instead, proposals are expected to stand on the strength of their underlying logic, rationale, and the clarity of the argument that the work could have a major impact in a broad area connected to NIH's mission. The scientific scope is intentionally wide. Applications can come from across behavioral, social, biomedical, applied, and formal sciences, and can involve basic, translational, or clinical research. Clinical trials are allowed but not required (hence "Clinical Trial Optional"), which means applicants can propose a trial if it is essential to the transformative goal, but they are not limited to clinical trial designs.
The program also emphasizes participation from the full diversity of the nation's research workforce. NIH explicitly encourages applications from investigators from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds, referencing NIH's broader diversity interest notice (NOT-OD-20-031). Alongside this, NIH welcomes proposals from eligible institutions across all geographic regions and from many different organizational types, reflecting a broad commitment to finding the strongest transformative ideas wherever they originate.
To help focus review on the science and the transformative potential rather than reputation or institutional name recognition, NIH is piloting an anonymized initial peer review process for applications submitted under this FOA. In practice, this means applicants must follow specific instructions to anonymize certain parts of the application so that the identities of investigators and institutions are withheld until a later stage of review. The intent is to reduce bias and ensure that the evaluation centers on the novelty, rigor of reasoning, and potential for major impact.
Eligibility spans a wide range of applicants, including state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also calls out additional eligible categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.
Foreign eligibility is limited. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as applicants, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are permitted, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include certain justified international elements as part of the project when allowable under NIH rules.
For context on timing, the source data lists an original closing date of 2022-09-01 and a creation date of 2022-05-12. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided listing, so prospective applicants typically need to consult the full FOA details for budget and project period parameters, application formatting requirements (especially anonymization rules), and the exact review criteria used to judge "transformative" potential.Apply for RFA RM 22 020
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIH Directors Transformative Research Awards (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): 93.310.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2022-05-12.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-09-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: NIH Director's Transformative Research Awards (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) - RFA-RM-22-020
What is the NIH Director's Transformative Research Awards program?
It is an NIH grant program designed to support genuinely high-risk, high-reward research that is unusually bold, original, or unconventional, with the potential to reshape how a field thinks about a problem. The program aims for transformative outcomes rather than incremental advances.
What is the funding opportunity number and CFDA listing provided?
The funding opportunity number is RFA-RM-22-020, and the CFDA listing provided is 93.310.
What type of grant mechanism is this opportunity?
The opportunity is an R01 and is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning a clinical trial may be proposed when appropriate but is not required.
What kinds of projects is NIH looking to fund through this program?
NIH is looking for projects that could create entirely new scientific paradigms, open fundamentally new or improved clinical approaches, or produce transformative technologies. The emphasis is on major impact and field-changing potential rather than step-by-step progress.
Does NIH require preliminary data for this program?
No. A key feature of this opportunity is that preliminary data are not required. Applications are expected to stand on the strength of the logic, rationale, and a clear argument that the work could have major impact.
How broad is the scientific scope for this FOA?
The scope is intentionally wide and may include behavioral, social, biomedical, applied, and formal sciences. Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical in nature.
Are clinical trials required? Are they allowed?
Clinical trials are allowed but not required. Applicants can propose a clinical trial if it is essential to achieving the transformative goals of the project, but applications are not limited to clinical trial designs.
Who is this program intended to support: individuals, teams, or both?
It is intended to support either individual investigators or teams pursuing transformative ideas.
What does "high-risk, high-reward" mean in the context provided?
In this context, it refers to research ideas that may be nontraditional and uncertain but have the potential for unusually large scientific or clinical impact if successful, including the potential to shift paradigms or enable transformative technologies.
How does this program fit within NIH's broader funding landscape?
This program sits within the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research portfolio, which is intended to give promising but nontraditional ideas room to develop.
What is the program's stance on diversity and participation?
NIH emphasizes participation from the full diversity of the nation's research workforce and explicitly encourages applications from investigators from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds, referencing the NIH diversity interest notice NOT-OD-20-031.
Is this opportunity limited to specific states, regions, or institution types?
No. NIH welcomes proposals from eligible institutions across all geographic regions and from many different organizational types, with the goal of supporting the strongest transformative ideas wherever they originate.
What is the anonymized initial peer review process mentioned for this FOA?
NIH is piloting an anonymized initial peer review process for applications submitted under this FOA. Applicants must follow specific instructions to anonymize certain parts of the application so that identities of investigators and institutions are withheld until a later stage of review. The intent is to reduce bias and focus review on novelty, rigor of reasoning, and potential for major impact.
What should applicants be prepared to do differently because of anonymized review?
Applicants should be prepared to follow FOA-specific instructions to anonymize parts of the application so reviewers do not see investigator or institutional identities at the initial stage. The provided information notes that exact anonymization instructions and formatting requirements should be confirmed in the full FOA.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility spans a wide range, including state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.
Are specific institution categories explicitly mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The FOA calls out additional eligible categories including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.
Can foreign (non-U.S.) organizations apply as the primary applicant?
No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as applicants.
Can a U.S. organization submit an application with international work included?
Yes, in a limited way. While non-U.S. entities cannot apply as the applicant and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, foreign components (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are permitted when justified and allowable under NIH rules.
Are non-domestic components of U.S. organizations eligible to apply?
No. The information provided states that non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
What dates are provided for this opportunity?
The source data lists a creation date of 2022-05-12 and an original closing date of 2022-09-01.
Are award size, budget limits, or the expected number of awards specified in the provided listing?
No. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided listing.
Where should applicants look for budget, project period, formatting, and review details?
Prospective applicants are expected to consult the full FOA details for budget and project period parameters, application formatting requirements (including anonymization rules), and the exact review criteria used to judge transformative potential.
What is NIH trying to avoid by using anonymized initial peer review?
The stated intent is to reduce bias and ensure evaluation centers on the novelty of the idea, rigor of the reasoning, and the potential for major impact, rather than the reputation of investigators or the name recognition of institutions.
What is the main message applicants should communicate in their proposal, based on the description provided?
Applicants should clearly argue why the idea is unusually bold and could have major impact in a broad area connected to NIH's mission, emphasizing sound logic and rationale (not preliminary data) and explaining the pathway to transformative outcomes.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: HEAL Initiative: Career Development Awards in Implementation Science for Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (K01 - Clinical Trial Required)
Previous opportunity: NIDDK Partnerships with Professional Societies to Enhance Scientific Workforce Diversity and Promote Scientific Leadership (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA RM 22 020
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA RM 22 020) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Intermediate Patient Population Expanded Access (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 22 071 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 071 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $8,250,000 |
| Understanding the Clinical History of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) to Accelerate Diagnostic and Vaccine Development (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AI 22 034 Funding Number: RFA AI 22 034 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Neurological and Neuromuscular Diseases (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 184 Funding Number: PAR 22 184 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies For Acute Cerebroprotection- Interventions (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 066 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 066 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Expanding Prevention Strategies for Mental Disorders in Mobile Populations in Humanitarian Crises (R34 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 22 180 Funding Number: RFA MH 22 180 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| NINDS Interdisciplinary Team Science Grant (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA NS 22 036 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 036 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transgender People: Immunity, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV and STIs (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 186 Funding Number: PAR 22 186 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (R35 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 22 180 Funding Number: PAR 22 180 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Mental Health Research Dissertation Grant to Enhance Workforce Diversity (R36 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 172 Funding Number: PAR 22 172 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies for Acute Cerebroprotection- Interventions from Small Businesses (U44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 067 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 067 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa): Research Education Program (UE5 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 22 022 Funding Number: RFA RM 22 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic Neuroscience or Translational Mental Health Research (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 22 155 Funding Number: PAR 22 155 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa): Partnership for Innovation Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 22 023 Funding Number: RFA RM 22 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Resources Access for Preclinical Integrated Drug Development (RAPIDD) Program (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 185 Funding Number: PAR 22 185 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NHLBI TOPMed: Omics Phenotypes of Heart, Lung, and Blood Disorders (X01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 194 Funding Number: PAR 22 194 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Data Management Coordinating Center for Diagnostic Centers of Excellence (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA NS 22 051 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 051 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Measures and Methods for Research on Family Caregivers for People Living with Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 23 023 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Measures and Methods for Research on Family Caregivers for People Living with Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 23 022 Funding Number: RFA AG 23 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pragmatic Clinical Trials in Community Settings to Decrease or Prevent VCID Outcomes, Including in Populations that Experience Health Disparities (U01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 23 001 Funding Number: RFA NS 23 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advancing Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAS 22 196 Funding Number: PAS 22 196 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,838,436 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA RM 22 020", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.