The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for innovative research under the Development of Animal Models and Related Biological Materials for Research program. This funding opportunity, managed by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), supports exploratory projects to develop, enhance, and preserve animal models and related biological materials for advancing biomedical research. The goal is to address human health and disease across multiple body systems and diseases, reflecting ORIP’s NIH-wide mission.

The program focuses on developing genetically modified animal models, microbiome research models, models for studying epigenetic factors, and resources for stem cell-based regenerative medicine. It also supports novel technological applications like gene editing, high-throughput model validation, and informatics tools for phenotyping animal models. Projects must address broader scientific questions of interest to multiple NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) and avoid focusing narrowly on specific diseases or single IC missions. Non-animal alternative models (NAMs) complementing animal research are encouraged if they predominantly use animal-origin materials.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, and others within the U.S. International applicants are not eligible, though foreign components in U.S.-based applications may be included. Proposals must demonstrate a capacity to produce reproducible, robust data applicable to diverse scientific fields. Applications proposing long-term projects or single-disease-focused studies are not suitable for this program.

Awards under this R21 mechanism are limited to two years and a combined total of $275,000 in direct costs, with no more than $200,000 allocated to a single year. The R21 mechanism is designed for high-risk, high-reward projects that propose innovative methodologies, systems, or tools. These projects should provide significant advancements in animal model research and infrastructure development.

Applicants are expected to include a robust data management and sharing plan, as well as strategies for the preservation and distribution of developed resources. Proposals should include detailed experimental designs, expected outcomes, and dissemination strategies to ensure access to tools and models by the broader research community.

Applications are accepted in standard NIH cycles, beginning February 16, 2025. All submissions must comply with NIH application guidelines, and applicants are encouraged to consult ORIP program staff before submission to ensure alignment with funding priorities. For additional details, consult the NOFO or contact the designated scientific or grants management officers.