The Role of Work in Health Disparities in the U.S.

Role of Work in Health Disparities R01

Supports investigator-led studies on workplace health disparities and occupational risk in the United States.

PAR-25-292, "The Role of Work in Health Disparities in the U.S.," is a multi-institute R01 program announcement led by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and co-sponsored by more than eight NIH institutes and centers. It accepts applications on a rolling basis through January 8, 2028. The solicitation is a reissue of PAR-21-275, reflecting NIMHD's sustained commitment to this research area. Research must address how work-related and occupational factors contribute to health disparities in NIH-designated populations — groups that experience higher burdens of preventable disease, disability, and premature death. Clinical trial activity is optional. The program is listed under Assistance Listing 93.307 (NIMHD) as lead, with co-funding from Assistance Listings 93.242, 93.279, 93.393, 93.396, 93.399, 93.866, and 93.361.

The award budget is not capped by the FOA and must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. Maximum project period is five years. Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations, both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3). Individual investigators are not eligible to apply without an institutional affiliation. For-profit companies are not eligible. The program was updated March 31, 2025 to align with current agency priorities following federal executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion — applicants should review the current FOA language carefully before framing research objectives.

Applications are submitted through standard NIH R01 procedures and are reviewed by a study section assigned by the center for scientific review. NIMHD's mission is to lead scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities in the United States and its territories; PAR-25-292 directly operationalizes that mandate through the lens of occupational and work-environment exposures. Applicants should contact NIMHD program staff to confirm scientific fit given the 2025 priority update and to identify the most appropriate co-sponsoring IC for their research area.