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NICHD INCLUDE Project — Down Syndrome Research

INCLUDE Project — Exploratory/Developmental Awards

Supports early-stage exploratory Down syndrome studies through investigator grants advancing transformative research in the United States.

The INCLUDE Project Exploratory/Developmental Awards (R21) fund early-stage, high-risk research on Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions across the lifespan under the NIH-wide INCLUDE initiative — Investigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE. Led by NICHD with participation from multiple NIH Institutes and Centers, INCLUDE is NIH's largest invest

Exploratory early-stage research on Down syndrome and co-occurring conditions across the lifespan, under the NIH INCLUDE Project R21 mechanism (NOFO RFA-OD-27-003, open through June 2028).

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.16 Jun 2028
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.nichd.nih.gov