The NIH’s Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports research to promote the effective adoption, adaptation, and sustainability of evidence-based health interventions. Studies may focus on reducing barriers to the implementation of proven treatments, health practices, and policies, particularly within underserved or underrepresented communities. This FOA also invites studies that address de-implementation, which involves ceasing or reducing ineffective or harmful practices. The ultimate goal is to translate research findings into widespread, practical health improvements, with particular encouragement for projects that aim to reverse declines in evidence-based practices impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NIH FOA allows for the development of innovative strategies to overcome structural barriers and to sustain health interventions within public health, clinical, and community settings. The call encourages projects that foster equitable access to effective health interventions across diverse communities and populations. It also focuses on advancing dissemination and implementation research methodologies, especially in contexts that include marginalized populations or that promote health equity. For instance, projects might investigate cost-effective means of promoting health equity in disease prevention, diagnostic interventions, or chronic disease management across different community or clinical environments.

Funding for these research projects is open to a wide range of applicants, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and local government entities. Foreign institutions may apply, and the FOA accepts applications that involve international collaboration. The FOA encourages diverse applicant teams to include stakeholders from the public health sector, caregivers, patients, and policymakers to ensure the intervention strategies are feasible and have real-world applications. For larger projects that exceed $500,000 in direct costs, applicants are required to consult with NIH scientific staff at least six weeks prior to submission.

Application submissions follow the NIH standard due dates for new, resubmission, and renewal applications, with a letter of intent requested 30 days prior to the application deadline. Submission deadlines are scheduled annually through February 2025. All applicants must comply with NIH’s updated guidelines, including the Data Management and Sharing Plan requirements effective from January 25, 2023, ensuring data transparency and accessibility in alignment with federal standards. The maximum project duration is five years, with budgets reflecting the specific needs of the project.

The review criteria emphasize the significance of the proposed research in addressing public health challenges, the qualifications and expertise of the applicant team, and the innovation in study design and methodology. Reviewers will also assess the project's potential to engage community stakeholders, address cost-effectiveness, and promote sustainable health practices. The FOA encourages methods that use interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration to bridge research and real-world applications effectively, aiming to improve both health outcomes and healthcare delivery processes.

Key contacts for scientific, peer review, and grants management are provided for potential applicants who wish to discuss their applications or seek guidance on specific agency requirements and research objectives. All awarded projects will be subject to NIH’s terms, conditions, and reporting requirements, with adherence to civil rights and non-discrimination regulations outlined in the HHS policy framework.