NIH announces Research Program Award (RPA) – United States

Deadline: 31 July 2020

The National Institute of Health (NIH) is currently accepting applications for the Research Program Award (RPA).

The purpose of the NINDS Research Program Award (RPA) is to provide longer-term support and increased freedom and flexibility to Program Directors (PDs)/Principal Investigators (PIs) to allow them to redirect their time away from the administrative burden of writing and managing multiple grant applications and towards engaging in the lab. This RPA affords investigators at most career stages the opportunity to advance their long-term research goals, rigorously explore exciting research opportunities, and mentor trainees, which support and align with the mission of NINDS.

RPAs will support the overall research programs of NINDS-funded investigators for up to 8 years, at a level commensurate with a PD/PI’s recent NINDS support. This greater funding stability will provide eligible investigators increased security, allowing them to undertake research projects that require a longer timeframe or to embark upon research that breaks new ground. Research activities outside of the NINDS mission, or traditionally supported by another NIH Institute or Center, will not be considered through this program.

Benefits

Benefits of the RPA include:

A more stable funding environment, facilitating the pursuit of longer-term research goals;
Flexible funding, enabling investigators to pursue research opportunities as they arise, not tied to specific aims;
Reduced time spent writing grant applications and managing multiple grant awards, allowing investigators to spend more time conducting and overseeing research; and
More time for PDs/PIs to mentor and train individuals in their laboratories.

Enhancing the diversity and inclusiveness of the neuroscience and biomedical research workforce will enhance overall creativity and ability to expand fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and contribute to reducing the burden of neurological disease. The RPA is a signature program for NINDS, as such NINDS strives to ensure it reflects commitment to diversity. As scientific progress accelerates by leveraging a broad range of experiences, NINDS strongly encourages women and individuals from diverse backgrounds (including nationally underrepresented groups) to apply.

Funding Information

Applicants may request up to a maximum of $750,000 direct costs per year.
The maximum project period is 8 years.

Eligibility Criteria

Higher Education Institutions
- Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
- Private Institutions of Higher Education
- The following types of Higher Education Institutions are always encouraged to apply for NIH support as Public or Private Institutions of Higher Education:
  - Hispanic-serving Institutions
  - Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
  - Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
  - Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
For-Profit Organizations
- Small Businesses
- For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)
Governments
- State Governments
- County Governments
- City or Township Governments
- Special District Governments
- Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized)
- Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
- U.S. Territory or Possession
Other
- Independent School Districts
- Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
- Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
- Regional Organizations
Foreign Institutions
- Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply.
- Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.