NIH seeks research projects studying the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetic or genomic research. This could include empirical qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as conceptual, legal, and normative analyses.
There are three notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) through which you may apply:
- ELSI Research (R01, Clinical Trial Optional)
- ELSI Small Research Grant (R03, Clinical Trial Optional)
- ELSI Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21, Clinical Trial Optional)
Multiple NIH institutes and centers participate in the NOFOs. For its part, NIAID is most interested in projects that focus on ELSI of genomic research that derive from domestic or international research on HIV/AIDS, or other infectious diseases including those transmitted by vectors; immunologic and allergic diseases, or organ transplantation; and other ELSI issues arising from genomics that are relevant to NIAID's scientific mission.
Examples of priority topics include:
- Representation of key populations in genomic research on immune-mediated diseases and transplantation for disease prevention, treatment, or cure; improving dissemination, communication of results, and mitigating barriers.
- Research on genome editing for correcting heritable traits and genetic disorders that impact diseases relevant to NIAID’s mission (e.g., inborn errors of immunity, primary immunodeficiencies).
- Research to avoid or mitigate negative consequences of genetic findings on human phenotypes or identity, as well as genetic findings that reveal directionality of disease transmission of pathogens.
We will not support clinical trials through these but would consider non-investigational new drug (non-IND) trials, e.g., social- or behavioral-relevant trials.
Direct engagement with communities and other interested groups is encouraged, but not required.
Select an Appropriate Fit
Select the NOFO that best matches the actual needs of your planned research project, in terms of budget and project period. For example, the R21 NOFO has a maximum project period of 3 years; and application budgets cannot exceed $275,000 in direct costs for the entire project period with no more than $200,000 in direct costs in any single year.
Note that for an R01 application, you must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which will be assessed as part of the scientific and technical peer review evaluation. Applications that fail to include a PEDP will be considered incomplete and will be withdrawn.
There are multiple application due dates listed in each of the NOFOs, which collectively run through November 2026.
If you have questions, touch base with our scientific/research contact Dr. Rosemary McKaig at rmckaig@niaid.nih.gov or 240-627-3214.