The NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21), administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to support innovative research that addresses significant issues in occupational safety and health. The program funds exploratory and developmental research projects that investigate novel ideas, tools, and technologies with the potential to reduce occupational hazards and improve workplace safety and health. Applicants must link their proposed research activities to planned outputs and demonstrate the potential for impact on reducing work-related illnesses and injuries.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government entities, and other qualified organizations within the United States. Foreign institutions are not eligible, and collaborations with international entities are restricted. Applicants must register with various federal systems, including SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, before submission. Applications must conform to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and include detailed budgets, project descriptions, and research strategies.

Funding for the program includes up to $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with no more than $200,000 allowed in any single year. Approximately 5 to 10 awards are anticipated annually, contingent upon the availability of funds and the merit of received applications. Applications exceeding the budget or performance period limits will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed.

Proposals are evaluated based on significance, innovation, the approach of the research, qualifications of the investigators, and the feasibility of the project within the described environment. Reviewers will also consider how the proposed work aligns with NIOSH’s strategic and intermediate goals as outlined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Applications must describe the occupational health burdens being addressed, the methodological approach, potential impact, and strategies for knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and completed by the specified deadline to be considered for funding. Key deadlines include submission of final applications and required registrations, with due dates subject to CDC and NIH policy updates. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals early to allow for corrections or technical issues. The program requires the inclusion of a Data Management Plan (DMP) and compliance with federal policies, including those related to data sharing, civil rights, and responsible research conduct.

Awardees are required to submit annual performance progress reports, financial reports, and final reports detailing the outputs and outcomes of their research. These reports contribute to assessing the effectiveness of funded projects and their impact on occupational safety and health practices. For technical assistance, applicants may contact program officials or the NIH eRA Service Desk. Further information and resources are available on the NIOSH website.