Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research Funding Opportunity

Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites Research Project Grant (R01) applications to explore the ELSI of human genetic and genomic research. This opportunity encourages both single and mixed-methods studies, encompassing empirical, conceptual, legal, and normative analyses, along with applied research addressing real-world ELSI challenges.

This funding opportunity (PAR-25-371) is a reissue of PAR-23-293 and has companion opportunities: PAR-25-369 (R21) and PAR-25-370 (R03).

Participating Organizations and Components

Led by the NIH, this initiative involves a collaborative effort among numerous institutes and offices, including:

• National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
• National Eye Institute (NEI)
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
• National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Tribal Health Research Office (THRO)
• Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR)
• Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)

Research Goals and Scope

The NHGRI aims to accelerate genome research and its application to human health. ELSI research plays a crucial role in this mission by addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of these advancements.

This NOFO encourages diverse, multidisciplinary teams to explore a wide range of ELSI topics. From the societal impact of genomics to its integration into healthcare, research proposals should investigate critical issues like genomic equity, data governance, responsible data sharing, and the impact of genomic information on individuals and communities.

Application Process and Key Dates

Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time on specified due dates (see the original announcement for the full table of dates). Applicants should adhere to the guidelines in the Application Guide and this NOFO. Early submission is encouraged.

All applications must include a Resource Sharing Plan outlining how research findings will be disseminated, and a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan compliant with NIH and NHGRI policies.

Research Areas of Interest

Participating institutes and offices have identified specific areas of research interest (detailed in the original announcement). This includes, but is not limited to, the ELSI of:

• Genomics and sociocultural structures and values
• Genomics at the institutional and system level
• Genomic research design and implementation
• Genomic healthcare
• Gene-environment interactions
• Genomics and cancer
• Genomics and mental health
• Genomics among specific populations (e.g., children, underserved communities)

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on significance, investigator expertise, rigor of approach, innovation, and the availability of resources. Reviewers will consider the importance of the proposed research, the rigor and feasibility of the approach, and the expertise of the investigators.

Reviewers will consider several additional items related to protections for human subjects, vertebrate animals usage, biohazards, resubmissions and renewals.

Contact Information

For questions, please contact the relevant Scientific/Research or Financial/Grants Management contacts listed in the original announcement.