Introduction

The Research Project Grant (R01) is the original and historically oldest grant mechanism used by NIH. The R01 provides support for health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH. R01s can be investigator-initiated or can be solicited via a Request for Applications. This website is devoted to the investigator-initiated R01 application, which means there are no specific program requirements. However, the R01 research plan proposed by the applicant must be related to the stated program interests of one or more of the NIH Institutes and Centers based on their missions.

The Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (RePORT) website provides information about research grants including the number of funded new and competing R01s, average award dollars and characteristics of research project grants.

Definition of an R01

The Research Project (R01) grant is an award made to support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing the investigator's specific interest and competencies, based on the mission of the NIH.

Scope

The NIH is comprised of Institutes and Centers that support specific areas of health-related research and almost all Institutes and Centers at the NIH fund R01 grants. Research grant applications are assigned to an Institute or Center based on receipt and referral guidelines, and many applications are assigned to multiple Institutes and Centers as interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is encouraged.

Applicants are encouraged to identify a participating IC that supports their area of research via the R01 IC-Specific Scientific Interests and Contact website and contact Scientific/Research staff from relevant ICs to inquire about their interest in supporting the proposed research project.


For specific information about the mission of each NIH IC, visit the List of NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices website.

Allowable Costs

Salary and fringe benefits for 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 limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. However, R01s can be limited in a specific FOA, so it is important that applicants note any budgetary limits indicated in Part 2. Section 2. Award Budget of the FOA. NIH's Modular Budget Policy applies to R01 applications submitted by domestic institutions.

but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. However, R01s can be limited in a specific FOA, so it is important that applicants note any budgetary limits indicated in Part 2. Section 2. Award Budget of the FOA. NIH's Modular Budget Policy applies to R01 applications submitted by domestic institutions. Applications are generally awarded for 1 - 5 budget periods, each normally 12 months in duration.

Applications can be renewed by competing for an additional project period.

Applicants may find it helpful to seek advice from an experienced investigator and to contact the Institute or Center most likely to fund their application – see R01 Contacts. NIAID provides an annotated R01 and attached summary statement on its website https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sample-applications#r01.

Standard receipt dates for new grant applications are February 5, June 5, and October 5; and for renewal, resubmission, and revision grant applications are March 5, July 5, and November 5. AIDS and AIDS-related grant application due dates are May 7, September 7, and January 7. For additional information, the receipt, review and award cycle schedules are posted on: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm.

R01 Participating Institutes, Centers and Offices

Most NIH Institutes and Centers support the R01 grant mechanism. For specific information about the mission of each Institute and Center, this link http://www.nih.gov/icd/ provides access to individual home pages. In addition, the following NIH Offices of the Director do not accept applications, but do provide funding for investigator-initiated R01 applications: