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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant

Funds the early, conceptual stage of a project that may not work — where the payoff is a breakthrough or a genuinely new technique, method or model.

The standing National Institutes of Health announcement for work that is too uncertain for a full research project, and it says so in unusually plain terms.

The mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research projects at their early and conceptual stages. The notice states directly that these studies may involve considerable risk.

What justifies the risk is what could come out of it: a

Exploratory and developmental research projects at their early and conceptual stages, which may involve considerable risk but could lead to a breakthrough or to novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models or applications with major impact on biomedical, behavioural or clinical research. Clinical trials are not accepted under this version.

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.7 Jan 2028
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
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.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PA-25-304Source: www.grants.gov