Novel R01 Seeks New and “At-Risk” Investigators from Diverse Backgrounds

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NIH and NIAID have a longstanding interest in diversity, as research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams. Recent evidence demonstrates that having a diverse scientific and public health workforce benefits research on issues such as COVID-19, HIV, and asthma, which disproportionately impact underrepresented groups.

In our new funding opportunity announcement NIAID Research Opportunities for New and "At-Risk" Investigators to Promote Workforce Diversity (R01, Clinical Trial Optional), eligible individuals are invited to submit investigator-initiated research project grant applications within the scope of NIAID's scientific areas of focus, e.g., microbiology and infectious diseases; AIDS and AIDS-related research; immunology; allergy; transplantation; and emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases.

To be eligible, the principal investigator(s) (PIs) must (each) be one of the following:

  • New Investigator—have not competed successfully for substantial, independent NIH funding.
  • At-Risk Investigator—have had substantial, independent NIH funding as a PI and, unless successful in securing a substantial research grant award in the current fiscal year, will have no substantial research grant funding in the following fiscal year.

Investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to work with their institutions to apply for support through this initiative. As part of the application, the institution must provide an Eligibility Certification Letter that includes verification of the PI’s status as a New or At-Risk Investigator as well as a statement explaining how the PI’s participation would further the goals of the FOA consistent with Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity.

Successful applicants will attend an awardee workshop during the project period, convened by NIAID once every 3 years to foster networking, collaboration, mentorship, and career development.

Administrative Requirements

Application budgets are not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed research project.

Similarly, the project’s scope should determine the project period, although the maximum project period is 5 years.

The FOA follows NIH’s Standard Due Dates, with one exception: The first submission deadline for non-AIDS-related applications is December 7, 2022.

Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

NIAID will host an informational webinar to discuss this opportunity on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are interested in applying, sign up to join the meeting at Webinar Registration. Also, consider sharing the registration link with any colleagues who may be interested in the initiative. Attendance is not required in order to submit an application. 

If you have questions about the FOA, contact Diane Adger-Johnson at AItraininghelpdesk@niaid.nih.gov or 240-669-2924. To discuss a potential research project, reach out to one of the following scientific contacts:

As we identify any frequently asked questions regarding this FOA, we will list the answers at Questions and Answers for PAR-22-241.

Contact Us

Email us at deaweb@niaid.nih.gov for help navigating NIAID’s grant and contract policies and procedures.

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