Research Project Grants (R01)

What is an R01 Grant?

The Research Project Grant (R01) is the original and oldest grant mechanism used by the National Institute of Health (NIH). It provides support for health-related research and development aligned with the NIH’s mission. R01 grants can either be investigator-initiated or through a Request for Applications. When applying for an investigator-initiated R01, there are no specific program requirements, but the proposed research plan must align with the program interests of one or more NIH Institutes and Centers.

In summary, an R01 grant supports a specific project performed by named investigators, focusing on their expertise and interests within the NIH’s mission. If you’d like more details, the Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT) website offers information on funded R01s, average award amounts, and grant characteristics.

Scope:	The National Institutes of Health (NIH) consists of 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs), each with its own specific research agenda. These ICs focus on particular diseases or body systems. Almost all of them fund R01 grants, and research grant applications are assigned to an IC based on guidelines. Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is encouraged, often leading to applications being assigned to multiple ICs. Applicants are advised to identify an IC that aligns with their research area and contact relevant scientific staff for support. For detailed information about the mission of each NIH IC, you can visit the List of NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices website. Allowable Costs: Salary and fringe benefits for a Principal Investigator, key personnel, and other essential personnel Equipment and supplies Consultant costs Alterations and renovations Publications and miscellaneous costs Contract services Consortium costs Facilities and Administrative costs (indirect costs) Travel expenses Application Characteristics: As a general rule, R01 application budgets are not strictly limited. However, they should reflect the actual needs of the proposed research project. It’s essential to pay attention to any budgetary limits specified in the funding opportunity announcement (Part 2, Section 2: Award Budget). R01 grants are typically awarded for 1 to 5 budget periods, with each period lasting 12 months. Applicants can seek renewal by competing for an additional project period. NIH’s Modular Budget Policy applies to R01 applications submitted by domestic institutions. Applicants may benefit from seeking advice from grants administrators and experienced investigators during the application process. The Key Dates section of funding opportunities list specific due dates or refer to NIH’s Standard Due Dates schedule. R01 Standard Due Dates: New grant applications: February 5, June 5, and October 5 Renewal, Resubmission, and Revision grant applications: March 5, July 5, and November 5 AIDS and AIDS-related grant applications: May 7, September 7, and January 7
Resources:	Hopkins Faculty Grant Resources & Documents NIH Research Project Grant Program (R01) \| grants.nih.gov
Contacts:	The best contacts are within your department. Your faculty mentor, department administrator or grants manager can assist.
Related Links:	NIH Grant sections Types of NIH Award Opportunities

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