The "Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors" (SHINE) program, administered by the NIH, supports innovative research in nonmalignant hematology that aligns with the missions of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute on Aging (NIA), and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), PAS-22-096, reissued as PAS-25-205, invites R01 research project applications focused on advancing basic and early translational science in nonmalignant blood disorders. Research areas are updated periodically to ensure alignment with current scientific needs and opportunities, with topics announced through Notices linked to the FOA.

The SHINE program aims to promote new discoveries in hematology by exploring the molecular and cellular basis of blood diseases, understanding aging’s effect on blood cell development, and supporting studies on the metabolic factors that influence hematopoiesis. Research priorities evolve and have included studies on macrophages' roles in blood cell development, erythrocyte maturation, hematopoietic stem cell niches, and the hematopoietic system's response to stress. SHINE seeks to build interdisciplinary collaborations and encourages the involvement of new investigators in this field.

The SHINE program allows flexible budgets to match project needs, and awards can extend up to five years. The NIH plans to fund approximately 2-9 projects each year under this FOA, with annual funding contingent on available appropriations. Specific project budgets and periods will be determined based on the project's scope, but applicants should anticipate needing to justify budgets aligned with actual project requirements.

Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and various levels of government, including tribal organizations and regional bodies. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply directly, but foreign components may be included in U.S.-based projects. Each organization may submit multiple applications if each proposal is scientifically distinct. Interested applicants must ensure all registrations are up to date, including SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov.

Applications must follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide's structure and NIH-specific guidelines for submission. Importantly, the SHINE program only supports non-clinical trial research, so proposed studies must be aligned accordingly. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as significance, investigator expertise, innovation, and overall impact, with additional review considerations for projects involving human subjects or vertebrate animals.

Submissions are due on NIH standard due dates with the last application due date for this cycle on December 11, 2024. Review cycles correspond to standard NIH timelines, with start dates for successful applications following council reviews. All applications should be submitted through Grants.gov and tracked via eRA Commons, and early submission is advised to ensure timely error correction.

For questions or assistance, applicants may contact designated scientific/research staff from NIDDK, NHLBI, or NIA, or consult NIH application resources. Compliance with NIH Grants Policy Statement and civil rights obligations is mandatory for awarded projects. The final award and project performance reporting will follow NIH policies on data management, reporting, and transparency.