The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This program provides support for innovative, high-risk, exploratory research at the early conceptual stage. Projects may focus on novel scientific ideas, methodologies, models, or tools that have the potential for significant advancements in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research. While preliminary data are not required, applications must propose research that breaks new ground, explores novel directions, or extends existing discoveries into transformative applications. This announcement does not accept proposals that include clinical trials.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal entities, and foreign institutions. Organizations must complete and maintain required registrations in DUNS, System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov before submission. Applications must be submitted electronically using NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. Each applicant organization may submit multiple scientifically distinct proposals.

The combined budget for direct costs for the two-year project period cannot exceed $275,000, with no more than $200,000 requested in any single year. The total project duration cannot exceed two years. Awards will depend on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications received. NIH policies, as outlined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, will apply to awarded grants.

Applications will be reviewed based on their significance, innovation, and approach. Reviewers will emphasize the conceptual framework and potential for advancing knowledge in the proposed research area. Proposals will be assessed for scientific merit, rigor, and alignment with NIH priorities. Additional considerations include the qualifications of the investigators, feasibility of the proposed methods, inclusion of diverse populations, and protections for human subjects where applicable. Applications will undergo peer review and Advisory Council or Board evaluation to determine funding decisions.

Standard NIH due dates apply to non-AIDS applications, with submissions due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. For AIDS and AIDS-related research, standard AIDS-specific deadlines apply. Applications will be processed and evaluated for completeness and compliance before peer review. Awards are anticipated based on NIH review timelines, with formal notifications issued via Notices of Award (NoA).

Potential applicants are encouraged to consult with relevant NIH Institutes and Centers to align their proposals with specific areas of programmatic interest. Scientific/Research contacts for participating Institutes and Centers are available through the R21 IC-Specific Scientific Interests and Contact website. The funding opportunity expires on January 8, 2025.