Advancing Genomic Medicine Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HG 23 032

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the funding opportunity title and number?

The opportunity is titled "Advancing Genomic Medicine Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA) is RFA-HG-23-032.

Which NIH institute is offering this funding?

The funding is planned by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What type of grant mechanism is being used?

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 research project grant mechanism and is described as an NIH discretionary grant.

What is the main purpose of this program?

The central purpose is to advance genomic medicine in practical, real-world clinical care settings by generating evidence about when genomic information should be used, where it is most effective, and how to implement, share, and use genomic data and technologies in healthcare.

Is this FOA focused on discovering new genes?

No. The emphasis is less on basic discovery of new genes and more on implementation and integration of genomics into clinical care, including real-world systems, workflows, policies, communication strategies, and data-sharing practices.

What kinds of research approaches are encouraged?

Applicants are expected to propose research that clarifies best practices for deploying genomic tools in healthcare, identifies barriers and facilitators across different clinical environments, and improves how genomic results are communicated and shared among clinicians, patients, and health systems (including potentially across institutions).

What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean for this funding opportunity?

"Clinical Trial Optional" means an application may include a clinical trial if it fits the research objectives, but a clinical trial is not required. Non-trial implementation research or health services research designs may also be appropriate.

Does this program emphasize health equity?

Yes. A major emphasis is ensuring genomic medicine benefits everyone, including populations and communities that experience health disparities, such as racial and ethnic minority populations, people with lower socioeconomic status, underserved rural communities, and sexual and gender minority groups.

What types of settings is the program trying to impact?

The FOA is aimed at real-world clinical care settings, focusing on the practical realities of healthcare delivery, including how genomic medicine fits into clinical workflows and health system operations.

What implementation topics are specifically highlighted?

The opportunity highlights systems, workflows, policies, communication strategies, and data-sharing practices that make genomic medicine usable, trustworthy, and equitable in everyday clinical practice.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations, such as state/county/city/township/special district governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, non-federally recognized tribal organizations, public and Indian housing authorities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status, as described in the FOA), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and other eligible entities.

Are minority-serving institutions and community organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights eligibility for entities often central to equity-focused and community-engaged work, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and faith-based or community-based organizations.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible applicants?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly listed among the highlighted eligible applicants.

Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are listed among the additional eligible applicants highlighted in the FOA.

Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply as the main applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities are not eligible to apply as applicants under this opportunity.

Are non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations allowed to apply?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply as applicants.

Are foreign components allowed at all?

Yes. Foreign components are allowed as defined under the NIH Grants Policy Statement. This means a U.S. applicant organization may include certain foreign elements in the project when justified and compliant with NIH policy, even though a foreign institution cannot serve as the primary applicant.

What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.172 and 93.393.

What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is $500,000.

What is the closing date?

The original closing date provided is 2025-02-11.

What kinds of teams does this program seem designed for?

The program is designed for teams that can combine genomics with clinical implementation expertise, health equity approaches, and real-world healthcare delivery knowledge, especially where the work can reduce disparities and improve how genomic medicine is responsibly used and shared in everyday clinical practice.

What outcomes is NHGRI trying to support through these projects?

Based on the description, the FOA aims to support research that produces evidence on effective and equitable use of genomics in care, improves implementation and integration into healthcare settings, and strengthens communication and data-sharing practices so genomic medicine can be applied responsibly and broadly.