The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), has announced its intention to publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "NINR Areas of Emphasis for Research to Optimize Health for All (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)." This upcoming FOA is a re-issuance of PAR-22-231 and aims to advance research that promotes health equity and optimizes health outcomes across diverse populations. The announcement provides early notification to allow researchers adequate time to build collaborations and develop projects aligned with the FOA’s objectives. The planned funding mechanism for this opportunity will utilize the R21 activity code, which supports exploratory and developmental research.

The purpose of the FOA is to stimulate innovative research addressing key areas of emphasis identified by NINR to optimize health for all individuals. These areas may include addressing disparities in health care delivery, improving health outcomes for underserved populations, and leveraging nursing science to promote health equity. By focusing on early-stage, high-risk, and high-reward research, the FOA intends to foster studies that can lead to significant advancements in the field of nursing and health research.

Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. This diverse eligibility allows for collaboration among various sectors to address critical health challenges. Specific criteria for applicants will likely be detailed when the FOA is officially published.

Submission requirements and guidelines will be provided upon release of the FOA, with the anticipated posting date set for January 8, 2025. Applications are expected to be due by February 16, 2025. Potential applicants should prepare to align their proposals with the priorities and expectations outlined in the FOA, emphasizing innovation, significance, and responsiveness to the NINR’s focus areas. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants.

Evaluation criteria will likely include the significance and innovation of the proposed research, the qualifications and expertise of the research team, and the feasibility of the project design and approach. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects will contribute to advancing the NINR’s mission and areas of emphasis. Final details on the review process and scoring criteria will be available in the official FOA.

The estimated award date and project start date are December 1, 2025, aligning with the NIH’s fiscal year 2025 funding cycle. Applicants should consider this timeline when planning their research and project milestones. While total program funding and award ceilings have not been disclosed, the FOA will provide further details about funding levels.

Researchers and organizations interested in applying for this opportunity should monitor Grants.gov and related NIH channels for updates. This forecasted FOA offers a valuable chance to contribute to health equity and nursing science advancements through cutting-edge research initiatives.