Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 12 033
Apply for PAR 12 033
- The National Institutes of Health in the education environment health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Etiology, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121 Oral Diseases and Disorders Research 93.273 Alcohol Research Programs 93.853 Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research 93.856 Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jan 6, 2015 and posted on Nov 18, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 24, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Special district governments City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education County governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Independent school districts Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Small businesses Private institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply. Non domestic (non U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
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Opportunity Summary:
The NIH grant opportunity PAR 12 033, titled "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Etiology, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment (R21)," is a discretionary research grant designed to support early stage, exploratory, and high-impact studies on ME/CFS. It is issued by the Office of Research on Womens Health (ORWH) in partnership with multiple NIH Institutes and Centers, reflecting the fact that ME/CFS affects many body systems and cuts across several scientific and clinical domains. The overall purpose is to stimulate investigator-initiated, interdisciplinary research that can clarify what causes ME/CFS, how it develops and persists in the body, how to diagnose it more accurately, and how to improve treatment and quality of life for people living with the condition.
A central emphasis of the announcement is on building a stronger scientific understanding of ME/CFS by targeting major knowledge gaps. The FOA encourages projects that examine environmental and biological risk factors that may contribute to onset or progression, as well as research that explains why the illness can look different from one patient to another. In practical terms, NIH is inviting studies that help unpack heterogeneity in patient populations, including differences in symptom patterns, triggers, illness trajectories, and responses to interventions. The opportunity also highlights the need to identify common underlying mechanisms that could connect the multiple organ systems often implicated in ME/CFS, supporting approaches that integrate perspectives across immunology, neurology, infectious disease, microbiology, and other relevant fields.
The announcement explicitly calls for research that spans diverse groups and the full lifespan, which signals interest in studies that do not rely on narrow or homogeneous samples. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that can improve understanding of ME/CFS in varied populations, which can include differences by sex, age, race and ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic context, and other factors that may influence risk, presentation, access to care, or outcomes. Since ORWH is a lead office for this FOA, applicants should expect that sex and gender considerations, as well as broader womens health relevance when appropriate, may be viewed as important elements of scientific rigor and public health impact.
Because this is an R21 mechanism, the focus is typically on exploratory research that can generate strong preliminary evidence, test novel hypotheses, develop new methods, or open up promising new directions that later could be expanded under larger awards. The award ceiling listed is $200,000, and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. The activity category is listed under education, environment, and health, and the FOA is associated with multiple CFDA program areas, including oral diseases and disorders research, alcohol research programs, neurosciences and neurological disorders, allergy and infectious diseases, and microbiology and infectious diseases. That mix of CFDA numbers is a good indicator of how broadly NIH is positioning ME/CFS research across different scientific portfolios and potential co-funding partners.
Eligibility is broad and includes many domestic organization types such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The FOA also makes clear that a wide range of mission-driven and underserved-serving institutions may apply, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other tribal and regional organizations. Importantly, non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are eligible, and foreign components as defined in NIH policy are allowed, which opens the door to international collaboration or studies conducted in other countries when scientifically justified.
In terms of timing and administrative details, the opportunity was originally posted on November 18, 2011, with later record creation noted as January 6, 2015. Key dates in the listing include an original closing date of October 24, 2015, a current closing date of February 24, 2015, and an archive date of March 24, 2015, indicating that this specific announcement is now archived and not an active, open solicitation. The full FOA text and requirements were provided through the NIH Grants Guide at the link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-033.html. For technical access issues, the contact listed is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.
Overall, this FOA is best understood as a targeted NIH effort to accelerate credible, cross-disciplinary ME/CFS research that can translate into real-world improvements: clearer biological explanations of disease, better diagnostic approaches, more evidence-based treatments, and practical strategies to improve daily functioning and quality of life. It prioritizes studies that move beyond single-system explanations, account for patient diversity, and produce findings that can help clinicians and researchers reduce uncertainty in how ME/CFS is identified and managed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NIH grant opportunity PAR-12-033?
PAR-12-033 is an NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Etiology, Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment (R21)." It is a discretionary research grant opportunity intended to support early-stage, exploratory, and potentially high-impact studies focused on ME/CFS.
What does this FOA aim to accomplish?
The purpose is to stimulate investigator-initiated, interdisciplinary research that helps clarify what causes ME/CFS, how it develops and persists in the body, how it can be diagnosed more accurately, and how treatment and quality of life can be improved for people living with the condition.
Which NIH office leads this opportunity?
The FOA is issued by the Office of Research on Womens Health (ORWH) in partnership with multiple NIH Institutes and Centers.
Why are multiple NIH Institutes and Centers involved?
The FOA reflects that ME/CFS can affect many body systems and cuts across multiple scientific and clinical domains. The multi-partner structure signals broad relevance to areas such as immunology, neurology, infectious disease, microbiology, and related fields.
What grant mechanism is used (and what does it imply)?
This opportunity uses the R21 mechanism, which is typically used for exploratory research. The intent is to support projects that can generate preliminary evidence, test novel hypotheses, develop new methods, or open promising directions that could later be expanded under larger awards.
How much funding is available under this R21?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The FOA states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
What kinds of research topics does NIH encourage under this FOA?
The FOA encourages research aimed at major knowledge gaps in ME/CFS, including studies on etiology (causes), diagnosis, pathophysiology (how the illness works in the body), and treatment. It also encourages interdisciplinary work that can connect mechanisms across multiple organ systems.
Does the FOA emphasize any specific scientific gaps?
Yes. A central emphasis is strengthening scientific understanding by targeting major knowledge gaps, including environmental and biological risk factors and explanations for why ME/CFS can vary substantially across patients.
What does the FOA mean by ME/CFS "heterogeneity"?
The FOA highlights that ME/CFS may look different from one patient to another and encourages studies that unpack differences in symptom patterns, triggers, illness trajectories, and responses to interventions across patient populations.
Does the FOA support multi-system or cross-disciplinary approaches?
Yes. The announcement prioritizes approaches that move beyond single-system explanations and aims to identify common underlying mechanisms that may link the multiple organ systems implicated in ME/CFS. It explicitly supports integrating perspectives across disciplines such as immunology, neurology, infectious disease, and microbiology.
Are studies across the lifespan encouraged?
Yes. The FOA explicitly calls for research that spans diverse groups and the full lifespan.
Does the FOA encourage research in diverse populations?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to design studies that improve understanding of ME/CFS in varied populations, including diversity by sex, age, race and ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic context, and other factors that may influence risk, presentation, access to care, or outcomes.
How important are sex and gender considerations for this FOA?
Because ORWH is a lead office, sex and gender considerations, and womens health relevance when appropriate, may be viewed as important elements of scientific rigor and public health impact.
What is the activity category listed for this opportunity?
The activity category is listed under education, environment, and health.
What CFDA program areas are associated with this FOA?
The FOA is associated with multiple CFDA program areas, including oral diseases and disorders research, alcohol research programs, neurosciences and neurological disorders, allergy and infectious diseases, and microbiology and infectious diseases. This mix indicates NIH is positioning ME/CFS research broadly across multiple scientific portfolios and potential co-funding partners.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include many domestic organization types such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.
Are minority-serving and mission-driven institutions eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly notes eligibility for a wide range of institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and other tribal and regional organizations.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) institutions allowed to apply?
Yes. The FOA states that non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are eligible to apply.
Can non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations participate?
Yes. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are eligible, and foreign components (as defined in NIH policy) are allowed.
Does this FOA support international collaboration or studies outside the United States?
It can. Since foreign institutions and foreign components are allowed, the FOA enables international collaboration or studies conducted in other countries when scientifically justified.
Is PAR-12-033 currently open for applications?
No. The listing indicates this FOA is archived and not an active, open solicitation.
What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?
The opportunity was originally posted on November 18, 2011. The listing also notes a later record creation date of January 6, 2015. The key dates shown include an original closing date of October 24, 2015, a current closing date of February 24, 2015, and an archive date of March 24, 2015.
Where can I find the full FOA text and requirements?
The full FOA text is available through the NIH Grants Guide at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-033.html.
Who should be contacted for technical access issues with the FOA link or NIH pages?
The technical contact listed is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.
What is the bigger impact NIH is looking for from projects under this FOA?
This FOA is described as a targeted NIH effort to accelerate credible, cross-disciplinary ME/CFS research that can translate into real-world improvements, including clearer biological explanations, better diagnostic approaches, more evidence-based treatments, and practical strategies to improve daily functioning and quality of life.
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Applicants also applied for:
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|---|
| Environmental Exposures and Health Exploration of Non Traditional Settings, (R21) Apply for PA 12 134 Funding Number: PA 12 134 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Environmental Exposures and Health Exploration of Non Traditional Settings, (R01) Apply for PA 12 133 Funding Number: PA 12 133 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research to Action Assessing and Addressing Community Exposures to Environmental Contaminants (R01) Apply for PA 12 153 Funding Number: PA 12 153 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| TaRGET I Chromatin Structure, Genomics, and Transcriptional Responses to the Environment (R01) Apply for RFA ES 12 008 Funding Number: RFA ES 12 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42) Apply for RFA ES 13 001 Funding Number: RFA ES 13 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Superfund Research Program Occupational and Safety Training Education Programs on Emerging Technologies (R25) Apply for RFA ES 13 004 Funding Number: RFA ES 13 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| NLM Administrative Supplements for Informationist Services in NIH funded Research Projects (Admin Supp) Apply for PA 13 276 Funding Number: PA 13 276 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Biogeochemical Interactions Affecting Bioavailability for in situ Remediation of Hazardous Substances (R01) Apply for RFA ES 13 010 Funding Number: RFA ES 13 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Analysis of Genome Wide Gene Environment (G x E) Interactions (R21) Apply for PAR 13 382 Funding Number: PAR 13 382 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42) Apply for RFA ES 14 001 Funding Number: RFA ES 14 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Senior Fellowship (Parent F33) Apply for PA 14 151 Funding Number: PA 14 151 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Administrative Supplements for the U.S. Japan Brain Research Cooperative Program (BRCP) U.S. Entity (Administrative Supplement) Apply for PA 14 249 Funding Number: PA 14 249 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42) Apply for RFA ES 14 007 Funding Number: RFA ES 14 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Interventions for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Native American Populations (R01) Apply for PAR 14 260 Funding Number: PAR 14 260 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Hubs of Interdisciplinary Research and Training in Global Environmental and Occupational Health (GEOHealth) Research (U01) Apply for RFA TW 14 001 Funding Number: RFA TW 14 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Hubs of Interdisciplinary Research and Training in Global Environmental and Occupational Health (GEOHealth) Research Training (U2R) Apply for RFA TW 14 002 Funding Number: RFA TW 14 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Spatial Uncertainty Data, Modeling, and Communication (R21) Apply for PA 15 009 Funding Number: PA 15 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Spatial Uncertainty Data, Modeling, and Communication (R01) Apply for PA 15 010 Funding Number: PA 15 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Spatial Uncertainty Data, Modeling, and Communication (R03) Apply for PA 15 011 Funding Number: PA 15 011 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Environmental Influences during Windows of Susceptibility in Breast Cancer Risk (U01) Apply for RFA ES 14 012 Funding Number: RFA ES 14 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
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