Research Project (R01)

Purpose

The Research Project (R01) is NIH's most commonly used grant program for independent research projects. 

Special Considerations

• Are you an early stage investigator (ESI)? 
  • If all the PD/PIs on an R01 (or R01-equivalent) application have ESI status on the date an application is submitted, the application will be flagged as ESI and will receive special consideration during the review and funding process. See Early Stage Investigator (ESI) Policies to learn more.
  • The Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant supports an innovative project in an area of science that represents a change in research direction for an early stage investigator and for which no preliminary data exist.
• Do you provide peer review service?
  • An alternative submission policy is available for R01, R21, and R34 grant applications where one or more of the designated PD/PIs serve as an appointed member of an NIH chartered standing study section, NIH Board of Scientific Counselors, NIH Advisory Board or Council, or an NIH Program Advisory Committee. This policy allows applications to be submitted on a continuous basis, peer reviewed in a timely manner, and assigned to an Advisory Council per designated council round deadlines. See Continuous Submission to learn more.

Award Information

• Funding Instrument: Grant
• Funding Category: Research and Development
• Budget Mechanism Code: RP - Research Projects

Allowable costs include (but are not limited to):

• Salary and fringe benefits for Principal Investigator, key personnel, and other essential personnel
• Equipment and supplies
• Consultant costs
• Alterations and renovations
• Publications and miscellaneous costs
• Contract services
• Consortium costs
• Facilities and Administrative costs (indirect costs)
• Travel expenses

Application and Submission Information

Parent Announcements

R01 Parent Announcements are available.

• Parent announcements are broad funding opportunities that applicants can use to submit investigator-initiated applications for a range of popular programs. They do not specify any particular area of scientific interest. They simply provide the standard forms and instructions needed to apply. 

• Not all NIH institutes and centers participate on all parent announcements. Check the participating organization in the funding opportunity before applying.

Application Characteristics

• R01 application budgets are generally not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project. Any opportunity-specific budget limits are indicated in Part 2. Section 2. Award Budget of the funding opportunity. 
• NIH's Modular Budget Policy applies to R01 applications submitted by domestic organizations. 
• Applications are generally awarded for 1-5 budget periods, each normally 12 months in duration.
• Applications can be renewed by competing for an additional project period.

After identifying a funding opportunity, follow guidance in the How to Apply – Application Guide including any Research (R) instruction call-outs, except where instructed to do otherwise in the funding opportunity or related notices.