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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

NIH R21 Exploratory Research Grant — Parent PA

Supports exploratory developmental research through recurring NIH parent mechanisms in the United States.

Between cyclesNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

The NIH R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant supports high-risk, novel research ideas that lack the preliminary data base typically required for an R01. Two parent announcements cover open R21 submissions: PA-25-304 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) and PA-25-306 (Clinical Trial Required), both released December 18, 2024, and active through January 8, 2028. New application deadlines are

Exploratory and developmental biomedical research with high-risk, novel hypotheses across any NIH Institute or Center area, on a three-cycle annual submission schedule.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.16 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.12–24 months
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: 30 Jul 2026Source: grants.nih.gov