Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers conducting studies on the ethical, legal, and social implications of biomedical and behavioral research. Eligible applicants include researchers at universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research institutions with R01 funding capability. The grant supports fundamental ELSI research that examines how science affects society, law, policy, and human behavior. Principal investigators must have appropriate doctoral degrees and institutional support for the proposed research.
Funding is available to organizations with Strong Federal funding experience. This is a research-focused NIH award, not for service delivery or program implementation. International organizations may be eligible if they meet NIH requirements. The research can be conducted domestically or internationally.
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Program description
The purpose of this NOFO is to invite Research Project (R01) applications that propose to study the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Approaches may include but are not limited to empirical qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as conceptual, legal, and normative analyses. Direct involvement of key stakeholders where appropriate is encouraged. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) requires a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) as part of the application. Applications without a PEDP will not be reviewed.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application
- Project Narrative (specific aims and research plan)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Other Support documents
- Letters of Support
- IRB/IACUC approval documents (if applicable)
- Bibliography and References
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.313 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$5,096,612
-
$2,994,561
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$2,736,581
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$2,735,186
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$2,417,324
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$1,332,345
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$1,108,110
Top States by Funding
- TX 1 awards $5.1M
- GA 1 awards $3.0M
- NC 1 awards $2.7M
- MD 1 awards $2.7M
- MI 1 awards $2.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.313). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $48,892,335 | |
| 2025 | $54,230,732 | |
| 2026 est. | $52,202,393 |
FAQ
What types of institutions can apply for this grant?
Universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with Federal funding experience. For-profit organizations may be eligible for R01 awards under specific conditions.
What research topics does this grant support?
Studies on ethical, legal, and social dimensions of biomedical and behavioral research. This includes topics like genetics policy, research ethics, privacy, and health equity implications.
Do I need preliminary data for the application?
Yes, competitive applications typically include published work or pilot data demonstrating feasibility. Strong preliminary findings strengthen your case.
What is the timeline for this grant?
Applications open January 13, 2025 and are due November 18, 2026. Review and funding decisions typically take 4-6 months after submission.
How much funding can I request?
R01 awards vary by field. Budget should be reasonable and justified by the project scope. Typically $50,000-$250,000 annually, but check current NIH guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Position your ELSI research as addressing a clear gap in understanding societal implications of science. Show why this matters beyond academia.
- Use your specific aims section to clearly articulate how your work will inform policy, law, or practice. Be concrete about impact.
- Include letters of support from relevant stakeholders (ethicists, policymakers, clinicians). These strengthen institutional buy-in.
- Emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of your team. ELSI research values collaborators from law, ethics, policy, and social science alongside scientific experts.
- Address feasibility thoroughly with realistic timelines, budget justification, and evidence of your research capacity. NIH reviewers scrutinize R01 plans carefully.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing purely theoretical ethics work without concrete research methods or outcomes. ELSI research must combine rigorous inquiry with real-world relevance. Underestimating the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives in ELSI teams. Failing to clearly articulate how findings will influence policy, practice, or public understanding of science.
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