NIDCD Research Grants for Translating Basic Research into Clinical Practice (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA DC 25 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA DC 25 002

The NIDCD Research Grants for Translating Basic Research into Clinical Practice (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity (RFA-DC-25-002) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant program designed to move strong basic research discoveries into real-world clinical use. The main purpose is to support translational research projects where basic scientists, clinicians, and clinical scientists work together to turn fundamental findings into practical clinical tools that improve human health. The emphasis is on research that does more than advance knowledge in the lab; it needs to clearly connect to a specific clinical condition and produce outcomes that can realistically affect patient care. In other words, the work should be positioned to make a measurable difference in how communication disorders are diagnosed, treated, or prevented.

The scientific scope centers on communication disorders and on translation-focused activities that have a credible pathway into clinical practice. Projects supported under this FOA are expected to bridge the gap between bench science and clinical application, such as developing clinically useful methods, tools, approaches, or evidence that can be adopted in healthcare settings. A key review expectation is that applicants clearly establish the relationship between the underlying basic science and the targeted clinical problem, and that the proposed deliverables have practical clinical impact rather than remaining purely exploratory. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applications may include a clinical trial if it is appropriate for the translational goals, but a trial is not required for every project.

Mechanistically, this is an R01 research project grant, which typically supports substantial, multi-year research programs with defined aims, milestones, and a strong investigative team. The program is categorized as discretionary funding and falls under the health activity category, with CFDA number 93.173. The stated award ceiling is $500,000, indicating the maximum award level referenced in the opportunity summary. The FOA was created on December 16, 2024, and the original closing date is October 12, 2027, giving applicants a long runway to plan collaborations, refine translational objectives, and assemble the necessary expertise and infrastructure.

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive to encourage diverse applicants and partnerships. Eligible applicants include many types of U.S. governmental entities (state, county, city or township governments, special district governments), independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Eligible academic applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education as well as private institutions of higher education. The FOA is also open to federally recognized Native American tribal governments and to tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they hold 501(c)(3) status, as are for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses. The listing also explicitly highlights additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, eligible agencies of the federal government, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility is consistent with the program's translational mission, since moving discoveries into clinical practice often benefits from cross-sector teams, community connections, and specialized capabilities that may sit outside traditional academic settings.

Overall, the opportunity is best suited for teams that already have a compelling basic science foundation and can credibly propose the next translational steps toward a usable clinical tool or clinically actionable knowledge for communication disorders. Competitive applications will typically demonstrate strong collaboration between laboratory and clinical expertise, a well-defined clinical need, and a practical plan for producing outcomes that can influence clinical decision-making, patient outcomes, or preventive strategies.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIDCD Research Grants for Translating Basic Research into Clinical Practice (R01 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 2024-12-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-10-12.
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 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 RFA DC 25 002

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