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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Funds exploratory studies of the ethical, legal and social consequences of human genetics, especially where a technology or a use of genomic data is new.

Every genomic capability arrives before the rules for it do. The National Human Genome Research Institute funds the work of catching up, and this is its exploratory mechanism.

The subject is the ethical, legal and social implications of human genetics and genomics. What counts as method is unusually wide: empirical qualitative work, empirical quantitative work, and conceptual, legal and normative

Exploratory research on the ethical, legal and social implications of human genetics and genomics, using single or mixed methods including empirical qualitative and quantitative work and conceptual, legal and normative analysis, with particular interest in new or emerging genomic technologies and novel uses of genomic information. 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.18 Nov 2026
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-25-369Source: www.grants.gov