Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21) | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The NIH funding opportunity "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA-08-247) is an exploratory/developmental research grant aimed at advancing what is known about chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). The program is led by the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) with multiple NIH Institutes and Centers participating, and it is designed to support investigator-initiated projects that tackle core unanswered questions about ME/CFS across diverse populations and across the lifespan. The overall emphasis is on moving the field forward by encouraging studies that clarify why the illness develops, how it can be diagnosed more accurately, what biological processes drive symptoms across multiple body systems, and what treatments can measurably improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

A central theme of the announcement is innovation and gap-filling research. NIH signals strong interest in projects that probe environmental and biological risk factors, explain why patients can look so different clinically (heterogeneity), and identify shared mechanisms that might link the many organ systems often reported as affected in ME/CFS. The FOA explicitly encourages interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting how ME/CFS research often sits at the intersection of immunology, neurology, infectious disease, autonomic and endocrine function, pain and musculoskeletal biology, sleep and cognition, and behavioral and social determinants of health. In practical terms, the announcement is looking for studies that can generate new insights or preliminary evidence that later supports larger-scale, definitive work, especially when it leads toward evidence-based solutions for diagnosis and treatment.

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory or early-stage projects where the goal is to test new ideas, generate feasibility data, develop novel methods, or open up promising directions rather than complete a fully mature research program. It is offered in parallel with a companion announcement of the same scientific scope using the R01 mechanism (PA-08-246), giving applicants a route to choose a smaller, developmental award (R21) versus a more extensive, full-scale project (R01) depending on readiness and the amount of preliminary data available.

In terms of funding parameters, the listed award ceiling is $200,000, and the FOA notes that both the size and duration of awards may vary depending on the proposed work. NIH does not commit to a fixed number of awards; instead, the total dollars and number of funded projects depend on the volume of applications received and, critically, their scientific merit, costs, and project duration. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which reduces barriers for applicants who may not have non-federal funds to contribute.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations that commonly apply for NIH grants. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including those with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, local governments (city/township, county), state governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, federally recognized tribal governments, and tribal organizations. The FOA also explicitly recognizes a wide range of additional eligible entities such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. Importantly, non-U.S. (foreign) organizations are listed as eligible, expanding the pool to international research teams when appropriate.

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and is associated with NIH activity areas spanning education, environment, health, income security, and social services, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of ME/CFS and its real-world impact. The listing includes multiple CFDA numbers tied to participating NIH program areas, including environmental health, oral diseases and disorders, complementary and integrative health, alcohol research programs, nursing research, arthritis/musculoskeletal/skin diseases, neuroscience and neurological disorders, allergy/immunology/transplantation, microbiology/infectious diseases, child health and human development, and aging research. This spread reinforces that NIH views ME/CFS as a multi-system condition relevant to numerous biomedical disciplines and life stages.

Key dates in the public listing show the announcement posted on August 21, 2008, with an original closing date of September 7, 2011, a current closing date of January 7, 2012, and an archive date of February 7, 2012, indicating that this specific FOA is now historical rather than currently open. The full announcement was hosted through the NIH Grants Guide at the provided link, and NIH offered support contacts through the Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster for access or technical issues.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institutes of Health

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services

Next opportunity: Metals in Medicine (R01)

Previous opportunity: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pathophysiology and Treatment (R01)

USGrants.org Applicant Portal:

Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.

Apply for PA 08 247

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 08 247) also looked into and applied for these:

 

Grant application guides and resources

It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!

Apply for Grants

 

 

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers

Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.

If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 08 247", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:

Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.