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NIH Research Enhancement Awards (R15)

HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP)

Funds basic and mechanistic pain research at institutions that receive little NIH funding, with students working on the project alongside the investigator.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

Most NIH money goes to a small number of research-intensive universities. This programme exists for the institutions that fall outside that group, and it does three named things at once.

First, it supports rigorous basic or mechanistic pain research led by principal investigators at those institutions. The science has to stand on its own.

Second, it builds partnerships. The notice wants integrat…

Rigorous basic and mechanistic pain research at institutions eligible for NIH's Academic Research Enhancement Award, building interdisciplinary partnerships with investigators at other U.S. institutions and actively engaging health professional trainees, undergraduate and graduate students in the research. 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.23 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: RFA-AT-25-003Source: www.grants.gov