Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting early-stage dissemination and implementation (D&I) research in communication disorders. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign organizations, universities, research institutions, and other entities with expertise in D&I science combined with NIDCD mission areas (hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language). Applications must focus on developing evidence-based innovations and understanding barriers to clinical adoption. Foreign subawards/subcontracts are not permitted under this NOFO, though unfunded international collaborations and foreign consultants are allowed.
The R21 mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research, allowing investigators to pursue novel, high-risk projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Collaborative applications combining D&I expertise with communication disorders expertise are strongly encouraged.
This grant is for researchers conducting early-stage dissemination and implementation (D&I) research in communication disorders. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign organizations, universities, research institutions, and other entities with expertise in D&I science combined with NIDCD mission areas (hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language). Applications must focus on developing evidence-based innovations and understanding barriers to clinical adoption. Foreign subawards/subcontracts are not permitted under this NOFO, though unfunded international collaborations and foreign consultants are allowed.
The R21 mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research, allowing investigators to pursue novel, high-risk projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Collaborative applications combining D&I expertise with communication disorders expertise are strongly encouraged.
Program description
The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) intends to re-issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO, prior funding opportunity RFA-DC-24-008 to solicit applications for research on early-stage dissemination and implementation (D&I) in the NIDCD mission areas of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. Much research is devoted to developing evidence-based innovations (EBIs) that improve a person”s health and quality of life. To impact people”s lives, EBIs need to be adopted in clinical practice and everyday life. Unfortunately, wide-scale adoption of EBIs is lengthy and rare. Dissemination and implementation (D&I) science is the field of research that seeks to close the gap between research and practice. Dissemination research is defined as the scientific study of the targeted distribution of information and materials about EBI to a specific audience (e.g., practitioners, patients, policymakers). The intent is to understand how best to communicate and integrate knowledge associated with a given EBI. Implementation Science refers to a broader array of active and planned efforts to integrate evidence into practice. Implementation research focuses on understanding why clinical and community settings are not adopting and sustaining a particular EBI. In turn, implementation research uses this understanding of barriers and facilitators to develop and evaluate different strategies (or collections of strategies) to increase adoption and integration of an EBI into practice. Many fields have applied D&I research theories, approaches, and outcome measures to improve adoption and sustainment of EBIs. This funding opportunity aims to support early-stage D&I research in NIDCD mission areas of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. Resulting findings should set a sufficient foundation for a high-quality, D&I focused R01 in NIDCD mission areas. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R21 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into D&I research in NIDCD mission areas are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in D&I and NIDCD mission areas will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Community Health Center
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for researchers conducting early-stage dissemination and implementation (D&I) research in communication disorders. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign organizations, universities, research institutions, and other entities with expertise in D&I science combined with NIDCD mission areas (hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language). Applications must focus on developing evidence-based innovations and understanding barriers to clinical adoption. Foreign subawards/subcontracts are not permitted under this NOFO, though unfunded international collaborations and foreign consultants are allowed.
The R21 mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research, allowing investigators to pursue novel, high-risk projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Collaborative applications combining D&I expertise with communication disorders expertise are strongly encouraged.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (NIH Form 398 or SF-424 equivalent)
- Project Narrative/Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Institutional Certifications and Assurances
- Specific Aims
- Background and Significance
- Innovation
- Approach
- References
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 NIDCD_Implemenation_Science@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
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
-
$39,056,528
-
$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
- CT 2 awards $76.3M
- IA 5 awards $74.7M
- 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 is eligible to apply for this grant?
Domestic and foreign organizations, universities, and research institutions are eligible. You need expertise in dissemination and implementation science combined with NIDCD mission areas.
Can I include international collaborators?
Yes, unfunded collaborations and foreign consultants are permitted. Foreign subawards/subcontracts are not allowed under this NOFO.
What research topics are supported?
Early-stage D&I research focused on hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, or language. Projects should develop strategies to increase adoption of evidence-based innovations in clinical practice.
Is this a competitive grant?
Yes, R21 awards are competitive. Your application must demonstrate novel D&I approaches and clear potential for an R01 follow-up grant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is June 17, 2027. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your project bridges the research-to-practice gap in communication disorders. Show specific barriers to adoption you will study.
- Include collaborators with both D&I expertise and deep knowledge of NIDCD mission areas. Collaborative teams are strongly encouraged.
- Frame your R21 as early-stage work that will generate preliminary data for a future R01 grant application.
- Clearly define your dissemination or implementation strategy and specify measurable outcomes related to adoption and sustainment.
- Avoid proposing foreign subawards or subcontracts; use unfunded collaborations or consultants instead if international partners are needed.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to clearly distinguish between dissemination research and implementation research, or treating them as the same. Applications must demonstrate understanding of both approaches. Proposing basic research on an evidence-based innovation without a clear plan to study its adoption in practice. Including foreign subawards or subcontracts, which make applications noncompliant.
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