The Bioengineering Research Grant (BRG) funding opportunity from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports innovative, multidisciplinary projects in biomedical research that apply bioengineering principles to solve biomedical problems. This funding opportunity, reissued under the designation PAR-22-243, encourages projects that integrate methodologies from the life and physical sciences to create, optimize, validate, or translate new tools, models, and methods. Applications can be research-driven and aim to increase understanding of specific clinical, translational, or biomedical challenges. Projects involving clinical trials may focus on validating performance or testing functionality, but those proposing conventional or phase III clinical trials are not eligible. This FOA aims to support the development of technologies and methods that bridge the gap between engineering, quantitative sciences, and biological or clinical applications.

The BRG seeks to address complex biomedical research questions through innovative approaches that enhance sensitivity, specificity, and efficacy in biomedical applications. Priority areas include translating quantitative models for complex biological systems, developing diagnostic or therapeutic delivery systems, and creating bioengineered devices such as implants and prosthetics that advance health outcomes. For example, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) focuses on research that supports cancer treatment innovation, while the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) prioritizes technologies for nervous system disorders. The FOA also encourages applications that address disparities in healthcare access, improve diagnostic methods, and reduce the complexity of medical procedures.

Funding for approved projects is contingent on NIH appropriations, and award budgets are expected to reflect the needs of the proposed project. The grant provides support for up to five years based on the project scope, though project periods may vary by NIH policy. The FOA is open to diverse organizations, including higher education institutions, non-profits, small businesses, and government entities. Foreign institutions and U.S.-based entities with foreign components are also eligible to apply. However, organizations applying for more than $500,000 in direct costs must contact NIH staff before submission.

Applicants must follow NIH’s SF424 (R&R) Application Guide instructions, using NIH’s ASSIST platform, Grants.gov Workspace, or an institutional system-to-system solution for submission. Applications are due at specific intervals: October, February, and June, with scientific merit review, advisory council review, and earliest start dates aligned with these cycles. A letter of intent is due 30 days prior to the application date. Conformance to submission guidelines is strictly enforced, and incomplete or non-compliant applications may be rejected.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria that include significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and research environment. For clinical trial proposals, reviewers will assess design, ethical considerations, and data management plans. All applicants must provide a Data Management and Sharing Plan and are encouraged to include metrics for technology performance, quantitative success benchmarks, and strategies for overcoming potential challenges. Additionally, proposals involving human subjects or animals must meet NIH’s regulatory standards.

The NIH review process will assign impact scores reflecting the project’s potential influence on the field, and the highest-scoring applications will receive priority for funding. Applicants may submit multiple applications if each is scientifically distinct, but overlapping applications are prohibited. Post-submission materials must align with NIH guidelines, and applicants are encouraged to consult NIH program staff to ensure compliance and strengthen the responsiveness of their proposals.