Symptom Cluster Characterization in Chronic Conditions (R21) | PA 17 461

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 17 461

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Symptom Cluster Characterization in Chronic Conditions (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA-17-461) is a discretionary grant program designed to support early-stage, exploratory research focused on how symptoms co-occur and interact in people living with chronic conditions. The central goal is to encourage both preclinical and clinical studies, as well as secondary analyses of existing datasets, that can characterize symptom clusters in ways that ultimately inform better treatments and interventions. The intent is practical and patient-centered: by understanding patterns of multiple, overlapping symptoms (rather than studying each symptom in isolation), researchers can generate evidence that leads to improved functional outcomes and a better quality of life for individuals managing long-term health problems.

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which typically emphasizes innovative, high-impact ideas that may still be in the formative stages. Projects funded under this initiative are expected to contribute to clearer definitions, measurement strategies, and analytic approaches for identifying symptom clusters, and to show how those clusters relate to meaningful outcomes such as daily functioning, symptom burden, disability, treatment response, and overall well-being. Importantly, the program explicitly welcomes secondary data analysis, meaning applicants can propose rigorous studies that leverage previously collected clinical, observational, or other health-related datasets to discover or validate symptom cluster patterns without necessarily launching a brand-new cohort.

Eligibility is broad and includes many common applicant types such as state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); eligible agencies of the federal government; faith-based and community-based organizations; regional organizations; Indian/Native American Tribal Governments that are not federally recognized; and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the announcement draws clear boundaries around foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as applicant organizations, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may be able to include certain foreign collaborations or activities if they meet NIH policy requirements and are justified within the project.

From the administrative details provided, this is a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) within the Education and Health funding activity category, associated with CFDA number 93.361, and administered by the NIH. The opportunity record shows an award ceiling of $200,000 and an original closing date of January 7, 2021, with a creation date of August 16, 2017. Overall, the program is aimed at accelerating research that clarifies how multiple symptoms group together in chronic illness and how those groupings can be used to design smarter, more effective interventions that improve real-world functioning and day-to-day quality of life.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Symptom Cluster Characterization in Chronic Conditions (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.361.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-08-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (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, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PA 17 461

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