Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
NIH will fund exploratory/developmental research on the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics and genomics, including studies of emerging genomic technologies and uses of genomic information.
⚑ R21 exploratory/developmental mechanism · Clinical Trial Optional · single- or mixed-methods allowed · foreign organizations are eligible per notice
This is an ELSI/genomics opportunity centered on human genetics and genomics, which is outside this team’s core programs in hazard/risk communication, weather, energy, and environmental opinion research. While the methods could be social-scientific, the substantive domain is biomedical/genomic ethics rather than the team’s typical policy and risk topics.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-07-07
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| IPPRA | 58 good | peripheral portfolio topic: public_health; signature methods: surveys longitudinal, community engaged, policy analysis; social/behavioral work is central; funds basic research; biomedical core — IPPRA health lane is communication/crisis/policy (capped) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 55 good | technical depth: minor; funds basic research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 15 none | deep-tech content; no commercialization signal |
Description
The purpose of this NOFO is to invite Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21) applications that propose to study the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Approaches may include but are not limited to empirical qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as conceptual, legal, and normative analyses. Direct involvement of key stakeholders where appropriate is encouraged. Of particular interest are studies that explore the implications of new or emerging genomic technologies or novel uses of genomic information.
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: National Institutes of Health <grantsinfo@nih.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · National Institutes of Health conventions SEE AN NIH EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — National Institutes of Health's document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.