Research Grant Funding

Key points

  • NIOSH funds four types of research grants (R01, R03, R21, and K01).
  • Applications are accepted three times per year.
  • Researchers are encouraged to develop proposed research around NIOSH's priority goals.
Closeup of entry for the word research in dictionary

Background

NIOSH funds many types of research. This includes:

  • Identification and investigation of the relationships between hazardous working conditions and associated occupational diseases and injuries;
  • Development of more sensitive means of evaluating hazards at work sites;
  • Development of methods for measuring early markers of adverse health effects and injuries;
  • Development of new protective equipment and engineering control technology to reduce work-related illnesses and injuries;
  • Development of work practices that reduce the risks of occupational hazards; and
  • Evaluation of the technical feasibility or application of a new or improved occupational safety and health procedure, method, technique, or system.

Funding by category

The purpose of RO1 research grants is to

  • Develop an understanding of the risks and conditions that are associated with occupational diseases and injuries.
  • Explore methods for reducing risks and for preventing or minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions in the workplace.
  • Translate significant scientific findings into prevention practices and products that will effectively reduce work-related illnesses and injuries.

R03 grants support small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. Potential projects include:

  • Pilot and feasibility studies
  • Secondary analysis of existing data
  • Small, self-contained research projects
  • Development of research methodology; and
  • Development of new research technology

R21 grants are intended to encourage new exploratory and developmental research projects. These studies may involve considerable risk but may lead to a breakthrough in a particular area. They may also lead to the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications. These innovations could have a major impact on a field of biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research.

Applications for R21 awards should describe projects distinct from those supported through the traditional R01 mechanism. Projects of limited cost or scope that use widely accepted approaches and methods within well-established fields are better suited for the R03 small grant mechanism.

KO1 grants are intended to prepare the next generation of occupational safety and health researchers and educators. Emphasis for funding is placed on projects that specifically address the priority goals of NIOSH Strategic Plan. Research training supported by this announcement may include a wide range of training modalities reflecting the diverse approaches needed to effectively address occupational safety and health problems effectively.

Laboratory scientist looking into petri dish, surrounded by lab supplies
NOSH supports research at different phases of development.

Ongoing funding opportunities

The announcements listed below are published in the NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts. Each announcement specifies the research priorities, type of grant activity supported, and information needed to submit a grant application. Applications are accepted three times a year on standard due dates.

Occupational Safety and Health Research (RO1)
NIOSH Small Research Grant Program (R03)
NIOSH Exploratory and/or Developmental Grant Program (R21)
Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
Keep Reading: Applying for Extramural Funding

Previous funding opportunities

These funding announcements have expired and been reissued. The links are included here as a reference.

Priorities

Laboratory scientist looking into petri dish, surrounded by lab supplies
Researchers are encouraged to address the priorities in the NIOSH Strategic Plan.

NIOSH has identified research priorities in its strategic plan. NIOSH Sector and Cross-Sector programs have identified priority goals for extramural research to fill important research gaps. These are issues that NIOSH intramural (i.e., internal) projects are not addressing. Researchers should consider developing their research concept around one or more priority goals. Researchers are also encouraged to identify priority goals for extramural research as a part of their application.

Researchers may also want to consider addressing research gaps developed by other NIOSH programs:

Resource‎

Learn more by viewing the Selecting Goals for NIOSH Research Proposals webinar recording.

Funding data

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Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health