Selected Topics in Transfusion Medicine (R21) | PAR 16 441

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 16 441

Selected Topics in Transfusion Medicine (R21) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity (FOA number PAR-16-441; CFDA 93.839) that supports exploratory, early-stage research in blood banking and transfusion medicine. The central goal is to fund studies that can improve both the safety and the availability of the blood supply, while also strengthening day-to-day transfusion medicine practice. Projects are expected to generate new knowledge, pilot data, or proof-of-concept findings that can reduce risks for donors and recipients and help the healthcare system maintain a stable and reliable supply of blood products.

The scientific scope emphasizes several public health priorities. One major focus is improving blood donor health and minimizing risks linked to the donation process itself, which can include understanding and preventing donation-related adverse reactions and identifying factors that may affect donor well-being over time. Another key area is increasing the safety and availability of blood products, which can involve research on collection, processing, storage, testing, and distribution approaches that reduce contamination or other hazards and improve product quality. The opportunity also highlights the importance of understanding transfusion-associated adverse events, including the determinants and mechanisms behind these events, and developing strategies to prevent or mitigate transfusion-related complications. In addition, the FOA calls attention to maintaining an adequate blood supply by supporting research into improved donor recruitment and retention programs, recognizing that shortages and shifting donor demographics can threaten access to lifesaving transfusions.

The funding mechanism is an R21 research grant, which is commonly used by NIH to support innovative, high-impact ideas that may still be at an early stage of development. The posted award ceiling is $200,000, indicating the maximum direct-cost amount anticipated under this announcement. While the source listing does not provide a specific number of expected awards, it frames the program as a targeted effort to stimulate a range of projects across transfusion medicine and blood banking.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA explicitly notes 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, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities/foreign organizations. This wide eligibility is intended to encourage participation from diverse institutions and communities, reflecting the broad impact of transfusion medicine research on different patient populations and regional blood supply systems.

Key administrative details from the listing include an original closing date of January 24, 2018, and a creation date of September 22, 2016. Overall, the opportunity is designed to move the field toward safer transfusions, healthier donors, fewer transfusion-related adverse outcomes, and more resilient strategies for recruiting and retaining donors to protect the national blood supply.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Selected Topics in Transfusion Medicine (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.839.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-09-22.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-01-24. (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 $200,000.00 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 PAR 16 441

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