Development of Models, New Approach Methodologies, and Biological Materials for Studying Human Health and Diseases (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) encourages innovative research to develop, characterize, improve or preserve research models and model related biological materials, and to develop or improve technologies, including new approach methodologies (NAMs), for studies relevant to human health and diseases. This NOFO also seeks projects aimed at improving the identification and control of factors that could confound or interfere with the use of research models in biomedical research. The proposed project must have broad applicability to multiple NIH Institutes or Centers (ICs) to align with the NIH-wide mission of the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP). The proposed studies must include research model(s) or NAM(s) and must explore multiple body systems or multiple categories of diseases affecting multiple body systems. Applications that develop models focused on a specific disease, a narrow area of research, or a single body system, or propose studies primarily relevant to a single NIH IC will be considered not acceptable to this NOFO.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The major elements in evaluating proposals for scientific instruments include assessments of (1) the need for the instruments; (2) technical expertise in the requested technology; (3) advancements of research projects when the novel technology is available; (4) administration of the usage of the instrument and (5) institutional support for the long term maintenance and the usage of the instrument.