Development of Models, New Approach Methodologies, and Biological Materials for Studying Human Health and Diseases (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This NIH Funding Opportunity (PAR‑29‑002) seeks innovative research proposals to develop, characterize, and improve biomedical research models, new‑approach methodologies (NAMs), and associated biological materials. Projects must have broad applicability across multiple NIH Institutes or Centers, address multiple body systems or disease categories, and improve the reliability and reproducibility of model‑based research. Up to 15 awards will be made, with individual award amounts ranging from $190,000 to $500,000. The effort is intended to strengthen the national research infrastructure and advance translational science. • Target audience: universities, nonprofits, small businesses, tribal entities, and other eligible public or private organizations. • Required deliverables: validated research models or NAMs, associated biological reagents, and technology improvements that can be shared across NIH. • Funding instrument: Grant (R21‑type, clinical trials not allowed). • Estimated timeline: application response expected by Feb 2028; award anticipated Oct 2028; project start Dec 2028. • No cost‑sharing required.