NIDCD Early Career Research(ECR) Award (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 24 119

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 119

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21 Clinical Trial Optional), funding opportunity number PAR-24-119, is a National Institutes of Health discretionary grant designed to help early-stage investigators launch or strengthen an independent research program. The award supports both basic and clinical research, including projects that may or may not involve a clinical trial. A key limitation is that the award cannot be used for thesis or dissertation research, meaning the work must be positioned as an independent project rather than a student degree requirement.

Projects must fall squarely within the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) mission areas. That includes biomedical and behavioral research related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The mechanism is intentionally flexible about the kind of study you propose, as long as it is well scoped for an R21 and helps move a research program forward. Examples of supported project types include secondary analyses of existing datasets, small and self-contained studies, development or refinement of research methods, translational research, outcomes research, and the creation or early testing of new research technologies.

Regardless of the specific approach, the central purpose of this ECR R21 is to generate enough preliminary data and proof-of-concept evidence to position the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) for a strong subsequent R01 application. In other words, it is meant to bridge the gap between an initial idea and the larger, more definitive studies typically funded under an R01, helping early career researchers establish feasibility, sharpen hypotheses, and demonstrate early productivity in an independent direction.

Eligibility to apply is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants listed for this opportunity include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible entities. The announcement also highlights inclusion of organizations such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.

Foreign eligibility is restricted in a way that is typical for many NIH opportunities. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed when they meet the NIH definition in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which generally means specific parts of the project may be conducted outside the U.S. when well justified and appropriately structured.

From a funding detail standpoint, the opportunity is tied to CFDA number 93.173, and the posted award ceiling is $375,000. The original closing date is February 17, 2027, indicating a multi-year window in which applications may be submitted according to the opportunitys specified receipt dates and NIH submission schedules. Overall, PAR-24-119 is best understood as a targeted R21 pathway for early career investigators in NIDCD-relevant fields who need a focused, credible project to establish independence and build the preliminary foundation for an eventual R01.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIDCD Early Career Research(ECR) Award (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-27.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-02-17.
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $375,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 24 119

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