Research Grant for Vision-Related Secondary Data Analysis (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for independent researchers, research institutions, and academic medical centers seeking to conduct secondary data analysis in vision-related research. Eligible applicants typically include principal investigators at universities, medical schools, research institutes, and other nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government entities. The R21 mechanism supports exploratory/developmental research and explicitly excludes clinical trial projects. Applicants must have access to relevant vision-related datasets and the capacity to conduct rigorous secondary analysis. Both domestic and foreign institutions may be eligible if they meet NIH guidelines, though U.S. institutions are prioritized. The research must address questions relevant to the National Eye Institute's mission and vision science priorities.
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Program description
The goal of this funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is to fund meritorious vision-related research projects that involve secondary data analyses using existing database resources. The development of statistical methodology necessary for improving methods to analyze vision health data using existing vision data may also be proposed.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) application form with institutional sign-off
- Project Narrative (typically 6–15 pages per NIH standards), including specific aims, significance, innovation, and approach
- Budget and budget justification (Form 424 Supp-4 or PHS 398 budget pages)
- Biographical sketch of PI and key personnel (NIH format)
- Data management and access documentation (data use agreements, IRB letters, sample descriptions)
- Letters of support from data holders or collaborating institutions
- Current and pending support statement
- Other support documentation as specified in the funding opportunity announcement
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.867 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$80,395,801
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$61,555,044
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$51,825,661
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$42,710,471
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$30,675,396
-
$22,003,615
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$20,447,461
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$19,986,536
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$18,098,351
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$18,094,361
Top States by Funding
- MA 13 awards $179.3M
- FL 4 awards $160.1M
- MD 9 awards $142.8M
- CA 13 awards $142.7M
- PA 9 awards $126.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.867). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $696,472,579 | |
| 2025 | $702,696,370 | |
| 2026 est. | $863,753 |
FAQ
Who can be a Principal Investigator on an R21 grant from NEI?
Typically independent researchers with a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree. You should have demonstrated research capability, institutional affiliation, and access to appropriate data and resources. Postdocs and early-career researchers are encouraged to apply.
Can I conduct a clinical trial with this R21 funding?
No. This specific R21 explicitly prohibits clinical trial projects. Your application must focus on secondary analysis of existing data rather than prospective human subject enrollment.
What datasets qualify for this secondary analysis grant?
NIH-supported studies, publicly available health databases, electronic health records, vision registries, and other existing datasets relevant to vision research are appropriate. Your application should clearly document data access agreements and analytical approach.
How competitive is this funding mechanism?
R21 grants are moderately competitive. Success typically requires a well-defined research question, strong preliminary data or evidence of data quality, clear analytical plan, and alignment with NEI priorities. Budget and timeline should be realistic for the scope proposed.
What is the typical funding range and project period for an R21?
R21 awards typically provide $150,000–$300,000 in total costs over 2 years, though amounts vary by institute and specific initiative. Check the funding opportunity announcement for current budget caps and any supplement mechanisms.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate your research question and explain why secondary analysis (rather than new data collection) is appropriate and scientifically justified for your specific aims.
- Provide detailed documentation of your data access, including data use agreements, IRB determinations, and confirmation of available sample sizes and variables. Reviewers need confidence that your data is real and accessible.
- Develop a rigorous analytical plan with realistic timelines. Specify statistical methods upfront and explain how you will handle missing data, confounding, and other methodological challenges.
- Align your research narrative explicitly with NEI priorities and recent funding announcements. Reference relevant vision science literature and explain how your findings will advance the field beyond descriptive analysis.
- Keep your budget narrative brief and justified. For an R21, avoid overstating facilities/resources; focus on personnel effort, statistical support, and publication costs rather than infrastructure.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications are often rejected when the research question is too preliminary or under-specified, leaving reviewers uncertain about the analytical approach. Another frequent problem is insufficient documentation of data access—reviewers need to see formal agreements, IRB approvals, or explicit confirmation that the data is available. Finally, proposals sometimes fail to justify why secondary analysis is the appropriate method rather than claiming it is simply cheaper than prospective research.
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