Novel Approaches To Study Polymicrobial Diseases (R21) | Apply Online

Opportunity Summary:

The funding opportunity "Novel Approaches To Study Polymicrobial Diseases (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA-08-092) is an NIH discretionary grant program designed to support early-stage, exploratory research that pushes new ideas and methods for understanding polymicrobial infections. The central focus is on infections where disease severity, persistence, or transmission is shaped by the presence and interaction of two or more microorganisms, or multiple strains of the same microorganism. The announcement specifically excludes HIV, meaning projects centered on HIV are not responsive to this call. The core scientific goal is to develop innovative approaches that clarify the mechanisms behind virulence in these mixed-microbe settings, including how organisms interact with each other and with the host in ways that change the course of disease.

This opportunity uses the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism (R21), which is typically aimed at high-impact ideas that are still at an earlier proof-of-concept stage rather than fully mature programs of research. In practical terms, it is meant to give investigators room to test unconventional hypotheses, build new experimental systems, generate enabling datasets, or create tools and models that could later be expanded into larger, longer-term projects. The FOA is described as running in parallel with a companion announcement of the same scientific scope that uses the R01 mechanism (PA-08-091). That parallel structure matters because it signals two pathways: applicants with preliminary data and a more established plan might choose the R01 route, while applicants proposing riskier, more developmental work may be better suited to the R21.

The participating NIH activity categories listed in the source data point to the kinds of disease contexts and institute interests that may be especially relevant, including oral diseases and disorders research (CFDA 93.121), research related to deafness and communication disorders (CFDA 93.173), and lung diseases research (CFDA 93.838). While these CFDA areas do not strictly limit the science, they give a sense that NIH is interested in polymicrobial mechanisms as they relate to common and clinically important body sites such as the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and related mucosal environments where mixed communities of microbes can strongly influence inflammation, tissue damage, and treatment response.

In terms of funding parameters, the opportunity lists an award ceiling of $200,000, consistent with the typical scale of an R21. The announcement also makes clear that awards depend on two conditions: the availability of funds in the relevant NIH Institutes and Centers, and the submission of enough high-quality, meritorious applications. In other words, there is no guaranteed number of awards, and competitiveness will depend both on scientific merit and on NIH budget realities in the applicable funding year. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which reduces barriers for applicants who may not have institutional or external resources to commit.

Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of domestic and non-domestic organizations. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (including those outside academia), for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other for-profits), and multiple levels of government entities such as state, county, city/township, special district governments, and independent school districts. It also explicitly includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and other Native American tribal organizations. The eligibility notes further clarify that foreign institutions may apply, eligible federal agencies may apply, and faith-based or community-based organizations may apply as well. This breadth suggests NIH is trying to attract creative approaches from many settings, including academic labs, research institutes, industry groups developing platforms or diagnostics, and public-sector research entities.

Administratively, the opportunity was posted February 6, 2008, and the original and final closing date listed is May 7, 2011, with an archive date of June 7, 2011. That means this specific announcement is historical/archived rather than currently open for submission, but it still serves as a useful reference point for the type of science NIH sought under this topic area and the structure of the R21 mechanism for polymicrobial disease research. For applicants trying to pursue similar work today, the best practical takeaway is the emphasis on innovation in how polymicrobial virulence is studied, and the existence (at the time) of both an exploratory R21 pathway and a more extensive R01 pathway under the same scientific umbrella.

For applicants needing help accessing the full announcement or encountering technical issues, the contact information directs users to the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster via FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV, indicating that assistance was primarily oriented toward resolving electronic access and linking problems rather than scientific or programmatic questions.

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

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health

Next opportunity: CAM Practitioner Research Education Project Grant Partnership Competitive Renewal (R25)

Previous opportunity: Novel Approaches to Study Polymicrobial Diseases (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 08 092

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 08 092) 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 08 092", 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.