Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) (R15 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers seeking funding to study pain mechanisms, treatment, and prevention. Early-career scientists at institutions without extensive research infrastructure can apply. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in relevant fields. Research institutions, including universities and independent research organizations, are eligible to host projects.
Clinical trials are optional but encouraged. Projects should address NIH priorities in pain research and the broader HEAL Initiative goals. Both domestic and international sites may participate in certain research phases.
This grant is for researchers seeking funding to study pain mechanisms, treatment, and prevention. Early-career scientists at institutions without extensive research infrastructure can apply. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in relevant fields. Research institutions, including universities and independent research organizations, are eligible to host projects.
Clinical trials are optional but encouraged. Projects should address NIH priorities in pain research and the broader HEAL Initiative goals. Both domestic and international sites may participate in certain research phases.
Program description
The purpose of this initiative is to: (1) support the efforts by R15-eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) to conduct rigorous basic and/or mechanistic pain research projects; (2) promote integrated, interdisciplinary research partnerships between R15-eligible PIs and additional investigators from U.S. domestic institutions, and (3) enhance the pain research environment at the R15-eligible institution for health professional trainees or undergraduate and/or graduate students by actively engaging them in the proposed pain research projects.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers seeking funding to study pain mechanisms, treatment, and prevention. Early-career scientists at institutions without extensive research infrastructure can apply. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in relevant fields. Research institutions, including universities and independent research organizations, are eligible to host projects.
Clinical trials are optional but encouraged. Projects should address NIH priorities in pain research and the broader HEAL Initiative goals. Both domestic and international sites may participate in certain research phases.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- PHS 398 or SF424 application forms
- Research Plan / Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (PD/PI and key personnel)
- Support Letters (institutional commitment and collaborators)
- Vertebrate Animals section (if applicable)
- Human Subjects Protection section (required for clinical components)
- Letters of Reference (usually 3-5 for early-career applicants)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.121 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$443,702,768
-
$32,310,944
-
$31,252,186
-
$29,535,192
-
$23,987,187
-
$23,513,241
-
$18,362,716
-
$16,829,492
-
$15,691,075
-
$14,460,130
Top States by Funding
- WA 2 awards $451.4M
- CA 13 awards $134.6M
- MI 4 awards $75.8M
- PA 4 awards $67.6M
- MA 5 awards $39.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.121). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $319,987,302 | |
| 2025 | $332,151,837 | |
| 2026 est. | $337,316,521 |
FAQ
Who can serve as a project director for this grant?
Early-career scientists (typically within 10 years of terminal degree) at institutions without major research funding are eligible. Postdocs and graduate students may not serve as PD/PI.
Is a clinical trial required?
No. Clinical trials are optional. Basic, translational, or clinical research approaches are all acceptable.
What types of pain research are supported?
Pain mechanisms, treatment development, prevention strategies, and health disparities in pain care. HEAL Initiative priorities are emphasized.
How much funding is typical for this mechanism?
R15 grants typically provide $250K-$500K total costs over multiple years. Exact amounts depend on project scope and agency availability.
What is the review timeline?
Applications are reviewed on standard NIH timelines, typically 4-6 months. Applicants are notified of funding decisions 6-8 months after submission.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Frame your research question within HEAL Initiative priorities like opioid alternatives or pain equity. Use recent pain research literature to demonstrate knowledge gaps.
- Build a realistic budget that acknowledges your institution's infrastructure limits. Clearly explain how NIH funds will enhance your research capacity.
- Involve experienced collaborators on your team even if they're not co-investigators. A strong mentor and co-investigator team strengthens your narrative.
- Be specific about pain populations you'll study. Demonstrate cultural competency if addressing pain in underrepresented communities.
- Highlight institutional commitment through cost-sharing and provision of space or equipment. This shows serious support from your organization.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying from well-funded research institutions with extensive NIH support disqualifies you from this early-career mechanism. Vague pain research questions without clear HEAL alignment waste reviewer time. Underestimating the effort needed for clinical components leads to unrealistic timelines.
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