Types of NIH Award Opportunities

• R03 is suited for Pilot or feasibility studies, Descriptive studies, Secondary analysis of existing data, self-contained research projects and Adaption or further development of research methodology or new research technology

• R21 is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of project development.

• R01 is for mature research projects that are hypothesis-driven with strong preliminary data. R01s provide up to five years of support, with a budget that reflects the costs required to complete the project.

Do you have strong preliminary data that support your hypothesis/hypotheses?
Is there a strong rationale for the proposed study?
Do you have a proven track record of experience in the field, including publications in scientific journals?
Do you or your collaborators have sufficient expertise to accomplish the goals of the proposed work?

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/funding_program.htm

 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/parent_announcements.htm

Your faculty mentor, colleagues and department chair are a good place to start