The National Library of Medicine (NLM) invites applications for its Research Grants in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (R01 Clinical Trial Optional). This funding opportunity supports innovative research that advances biomedical discovery and data-powered health, integrating complex data streams into scientific insights, clinical care, public health practices, and personal wellness. Proposals must align with the NLM’s strategic goals, emphasizing novel, domain-independent, and reproducible approaches to biomedical informatics and data science.

The program seeks to develop scalable methods for analyzing biomedical data, improve decision-making processes, and enhance population health outcomes. Priority research areas include advanced informatics methods for large datasets, natural language processing, addressing algorithmic bias in health equity, and improving public health through data science innovations. Projects should focus on creating reusable and generalizable tools rather than infrastructure or software product development.

The maximum award budget is $250,000 in direct costs annually, with a project period of up to four years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, tribal governments, and foreign organizations. Applicants must register with SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov to submit their applications.

Applications are accepted three times annually on standard NIH submission dates: February 5, June 5, and October 5, starting in 2025. Proposals should follow NIH submission guidelines, including specific sections for research strategy, significance, and innovation. A Resource Sharing Plan and a Data Management and Sharing Plan are required, detailing dissemination strategies for software and tools developed under the grant.

Applications are evaluated on their significance, innovation, rigor of the approach, and the expertise of the research team. Additional considerations include protections for human subjects, inclusivity of study populations, and the scalability and reproducibility of proposed solutions. The peer review process assigns impact scores, and high-priority projects proceed to advisory council reviews.

Awardees must adhere to NIH data-sharing policies, including making tools and software widely available. Annual Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs) and a final closeout report are required. Queries regarding scientific aspects, peer review, or grants management can be directed to the program officers listed in the announcement.