NINR Areas of Emphasis R21

NINR Areas of Emphasis R21

Supports exploratory nursing innovation in the United States through NIH pathways.

The NINR Areas of Emphasis R21 is an exploratory and developmental research grant issued by the National Institute of Nursing Research under the NIH umbrella. Re-issuance of PAR-22-231, this program was announced via NOT-NR-25-007 on November 21, 2024. It funds innovative, early-phase nursing research within NINR's 2022–2026 Strategic Plan — the same five priority areas covered by the R01 companion (Optimizing Health for All; Conditions of Daily Life; Distribution of Health; Preventing and Managing Disease; Advancing Systems to Optimize Care). Clinical trials are optional, and the program operates under CFDA 93.361 (Nursing Research).

Direct costs are strictly capped at $275,000 over the two-year project period, with no more than $200,000 allowed in any single year. The NOFO was estimated for publication on January 8, 2025, with the first application due date of February 16, 2025 and the earliest award and start date of December 1, 2025. Eligible applicants mirror the R01 population: U.S. higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profit entities, and state, local, and tribal governments. Federal agencies cannot apply. Submissions are reviewed on standard NIH receipt cycles.

The R21 mechanism requires less preliminary data than an R01, making it the preferred entry point for investigators exploring novel nursing science questions or testing new methodological approaches. Applications must clearly map the research to NINR's strategic framework and justify a two-year scope within the cost ceiling. Program officer is David L. Tilley (david.tilley@nih.gov). Teams with early-stage projects addressing health disparities, symptom science, chronic disease management, or care delivery innovations across any population are typical candidates.