National Institutes of Health logo
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant

Funds an early-stage, high-risk project that includes a clinical trial — and at some institutes only a mechanistic one counts.

The exploratory standing announcement, for projects that include a clinical trial.

The mechanism supports exploratory and developmental work at its early and conceptual stages, and the notice is explicit that these studies may involve considerable risk. What justifies it is a possible breakthrough, or novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models or applications that could have a major impact o

Exploratory and developmental research projects at their early and conceptual stages including at least one clinical trial, which may involve considerable risk but could produce a breakthrough or novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models or applications. Some participating institutes accept only mechanistic clinical trials under this announcement.

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.

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see what you submit

Sign up free to see how they score you

Sign up free to see the timeline

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PA-25-306Source: www.grants.gov