National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and scientists studying human auditory and vestibular disorders. Eligible applicants typically include academic research institutions, universities, NIH-funded centers, and qualified research organizations. The program supports the development of national resource networks that advance hearing and balance disorder research. Grants are for collaborative, multi-institutional research efforts rather than individual investigator projects. Applicants must demonstrate institutional research infrastructure and access to relevant populations or clinical cohorts.
Key dates
- Jan 26, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 29, 2026 Application deadline in 108 days
- Jul 31, 2027 Award announced
- Aug 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institutes on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) seeks to advance its mission by continuing to support a collaborative network, NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network, which serves as a critical national technological resource for auditory and vestibular researchers who use human inner and middle ear tissues for basic and clinical studies focused on understanding human auditory and vestibular disorders. In collaboration with NIDCD and other Network laboratories, each laboratory is anticipated to advance the use of human ear tissue in biomedical research by developing and providing technical services for procuring, preparing, sectioning and distributing high-quality human ear tissues; developing and disseminating techniques for improved tissue preservation and processing; uploading digitized temporal bone images to NIDCD-approved databases for wide dissemination; and providing opportunities for technical instruction in the special skills needed to prepare ear tissue for use from post-mortem human temporal bones.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Institutional Support Letters
- Research Network Plan/Data Sharing Plan
- Letters of Commitment from Partner Sites
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Scientific Programs
- 📧 NIDCDNetworkU24@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.173 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$67,501,043
-
$41,811,330
-
$29,666,573
-
$25,009,162
-
$22,883,624
-
$22,740,456
-
$16,596,227
-
$13,255,879
-
$12,363,350
-
$12,276,804
Top States by Funding
- MA 11 awards $142.6M
- CA 10 awards $101.6M
- IA 5 awards $77.5M
- CT 2 awards $76.3M
- MD 7 awards $56.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.173). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $422,034,489 | |
| 2025 | $422,700,014 | |
| 2026 est. | $427,030,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Academic research institutions, universities, and NIH-funded centers with established auditory or vestibular research programs. Applicants must have institutional support and research infrastructure in place.
What is the application deadline?
Check the NIH website and CFDA listing for the specific deadline. NIH typically has multiple submission cycles per year.
What types of research activities are supported?
Research network development, resource sharing infrastructure, collaborative studies, and biospecimen or data repositories related to hearing and balance disorders.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. NIH funds only top-ranked proposals. Expect rigorous peer review and strong emphasis on innovation and feasibility.
What funding amounts should we expect?
Varies by network scope and institutional number. Check current NIH announcements for estimated budget ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Assemble a strong multi-institutional team with complementary expertise in audiology, otology, neuroscience, and vestibular research.
- Clearly define how your network will advance the field beyond what individual labs can accomplish alone.
- Detail your data management and resource-sharing infrastructure in technical terms that reviewers expect.
- Include letters of commitment from all partner institutions showing financial and personnel support.
- Demonstrate access to patient populations or clinical cohorts relevant to your research network's mission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying as a single institution without strong collaborative partnerships. NIH resource networks require multi-site coordination and shared infrastructure that reviewers expect to see clearly articulated. Weak or vague descriptions of how the network will sustain itself and achieve its research goals beyond the funding period.
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