The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) invite applications for the Investigator-Initiated Innovation in Computational Genomics and Data Science program under the R01 Research Project Grant mechanism. This program seeks to advance computational genomics, bioinformatics, data science, and data visualization methodologies, fostering innovation that is broadly applicable to human health and genomic research. Proposals should focus on novel approaches rather than incremental modifications of existing methods.

The program supports projects that are generalizable across diseases and biological systems, enabling genomics research through transformative methods. Examples of eligible topics include developing tools for large genomic dataset visualization, machine learning techniques for genomics, privacy-preserving data access technologies, and scalable computational methods. The program encourages rigorous validation, benchmarking, and innovative resource-sharing plans, with a commitment to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles for research software.

Application budgets are capped at $500,000 in direct costs annually for project periods of up to five years. Early-stage investigators may be funded for the full five-year period, while established investigators are typically limited to four years. Up to 10% of the budget may be allocated for experimental work to validate computational methods. Proposals focusing on microbial genomics, resource curation, or narrowly applied research will be considered non-responsive.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, and foreign organizations. Proposals must align with program priorities and include plans for sharing research tools, data, and documentation with the broader research community. Applications must emphasize scalability, interoperability, and the ability for developed tools to protect sensitive data while ensuring accessibility for qualified researchers.

Deadlines follow NIH standard submission schedules, with the first due date on February 5, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed based on significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and the expertise of investigators. Awards are contingent on scientific merit, programmatic priorities, and available funding.

NHGRI encourages diverse participation, including new investigators, researchers from underrepresented groups, and those new to genomic science. Applicants are advised to consult program staff for guidance to ensure alignment with program goals. This initiative aims to catalyze transformative advancements in genomics, supporting the development of robust, scalable, and widely adoptable tools and methods.