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.
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 NIOSH Occupational Safety and Health Research Grant Program, (RO1) to support discrete, specified, circumscribed projects in scientific areas that represent the investigators specific interests and competencies and fall within the mission of NIOSH and 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.
Emphasis for funding is placed on research applications that specifically address the priority goals of NIOSH Strategic Plan.
The purpose of the NIOSH Small Research Grant Program, (R03) is to
- Develop an understanding of the risks and conditions associated with occupational diseases and injuries,
- Explore methods for reducing risks and 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.
The NIOSH R03 grant program supports occupational safety and health research projects that can be carried out with limited resources, such as pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, or development of research methods.
Emphasis for funding is placed on research applications that specifically address the priority goals of NIOSH Strategic Plan.
The purpose of the NIOSH Exploratory Grant Program (R21) is to
- Develop an understanding of the risks and conditions associated with occupational diseases and injuries,
- Explore methods for reducing risks and 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.
The NIOSH R21 support exploratory and developmental research projects that identifies and addresses novel scientific ideas or new model systems, tools, or technologies with the potential for significant impact on occupational safety and health.
Research applications for the R21 grant program should describe research distinct from that which is supported through the R01 grant program. Applications with limited cost or scope that use widely accepted approaches and methods within well-established fields are better suited for the R03 small grant mechanism.
Emphasis for funding is placed on research applications that specifically address the priority goals of NIOSH Strategic Plan.
The purpose of the NIOSH Mentored Research Scientist Development Grant Program, (K01) is to
- Help ensure the availability of an adequate number and diversity of highly trained scientists and educators to address critical occupational safety and health issues,
- Provide support and 75% protected time for an intensive, supervised (mentored) career development experience in occupational health and safety research leading to research independence.
Research training supported by this grant program may include a wide range of training modalities reflecting the diverse approaches needed to effectively address occupational safety and health problems effectively.
Emphasis for funding is placed on research training applications that specifically address the priority goals of NIOSH Strategic Plan.
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.
Previous funding opportunities
These funding announcements have expired and been reissued. The links are included here as a reference.
Priorities
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:
- The NIOSH Future of Work Initiative Research Agenda (cdc.gov)
- NIOSH's Healthcare Personal Protective Technology (PPT) Targets for 2020 to 2030
- NIOSH Center For Motor Vehicle Safety Strategic Plan, 2020–2029 Strategic Plan, 2020–2029 (cdc.gov)
- Continuing to Protect the Nanotechnology Workforce: NIOSH Nanotechnology Research Plan for 2018–2025 (cdc.gov)
Resource
Funding data
Learn more about:
- Success rates for research grants
- Current funding levels for research grants and other awards
- Repository of all active awards