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Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

US · MD National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant open #PAR-25-369
Response due Nov 18, 2026 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting exploratory and developmental research grants focused on the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of genomics and related biomedical research. The R21 mechanism supports early-stage, innovative research that may involve novel concepts or new approaches to ELSI topics. Clinical trials are optionally permitted under this funding opportunity. The program is open from January 2025 through November 2026, allowing multiple submission cycles.

What they want

Funding opportunity PAR-25-369 supports exploratory and developmental research (R21 mechanism) addressing Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of genomics and related biomedical science. Applicants may propose novel, untested hypotheses or innovative methodologies relevant to ELSI research. Clinical trials are optionally permitted. The opportunity is open for multiple submission cycles between January 13, 2025, and November 18, 2026.
Technical requirements
  • Research must address ELSI topics relevant to genomics or related biomedical research
  • Clinical trial inclusion is optional but must comply with NIH clinical trial policies if included
  • Must use R21 exploratory/developmental grant mechanism

How they evaluate

Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal (electronic submission)

Risks & flags

  • Minimal detail provided in the synopsis — full program announcement (PAR-25-369) must be reviewed for complete eligibility, review criteria, and budget limits before assessing competitiveness
  • R21 mechanism typically caps direct costs at ~$275K over 2 years — budget constraints not confirmed from this text
  • No evaluation criteria or key personnel requirements specified in this notice

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
NAICS 541711
US market size
$2.0T
Typical award
$25K – $50M
Typical buyers
All federal civilianDoDStates
Commonly required
8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (EL…
Due Nov 18
Onboard ↗