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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21)

Funds exploratory work on why proven health interventions do not get adopted — and on stopping the ones that should be dropped.

Health research produces things that work and then watches them not get used. This notice funds the study of that gap, on its exploratory mechanism.

The strategies in scope address barriers to five things: adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up and sustainability of evidence-based interventions. Those interventions are defined broadly — practices, programmes, tools, treatments, guidelines an

Exploratory studies identifying, developing and testing strategies to overcome barriers to adoption, adaptation, integration, scale-up and sustainability of evidence-based interventions, practices, programmes, tools, treatments, guidelines and policies, including de-implementation of ineffective, unproven, low-value or harmful practices, and advancing dissemination and implementation research methods and measures. Clinical trials are optional.

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: PAR-25-143Source: www.grants.gov