Mechanistic Toxicology of METALS: Metal Exposure, Transport, Action, Localization, and Susceptibility (RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and investigators studying the mechanistic toxicology of metals and metal-containing compounds. Eligible organizations typically include universities, medical research centers, and nonprofit research institutions with institutional capacity to conduct NIH-funded research. Awards support basic mechanistic studies using experimental models, computational approaches, or human biospecimens to understand metal absorption, transport, cellular effects, and health mechanisms. Clinical trials (RP1 mechanism) are not allowed; this program focuses on mechanistic research only.
NIH grants generally require applicants to have institutional infrastructure, administrative systems, and compliance capacity. International organizations may be eligible under specific NIH guidelines. The research must address defined mechanistic hypotheses related to metal exposure and biological processes.
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Key dates
- Sep 14, 2026 Applications open
- Jan 5, 2027 Application deadline in 88 days
- Jul 31, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 31, 2027 Project start
Program description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support mechanistic research to understand how exposure to metals and metal-containing compounds alters biological processes relevant to human health. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate the absorption, distribution, transport, cellular trafficking, biological interactions, and mechanisms of action of metals, including mechanisms through which metals may alter immune homeostasis, cross the placental barrier, or gain access to and affect the central nervous system. Studies may employ experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or leverage human biospecimens where these approaches are used to address defined mechanistic hypotheses.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) application form
- Project Narrative and specific aims
- Research Plan with mechanistic hypotheses and methods
- Budget and budget justification
- Biographical sketches (key personnel)
- Letters of support from collaborators or institutional officials
- Institutional commitment documentation
Program contact
- 👤 NOFO.information@niehs.nih.gov
- 📧 NOFO.information@niehs.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via email.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.113 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$200,640,187
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$49,744,439
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$34,621,574
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$33,491,440
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$32,769,976
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$32,623,202
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$31,997,307
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$31,263,603
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$29,228,555
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$29,027,951
Top States by Funding
- NC 11 awards $374.6M
- NY 11 awards $190.4M
- CA 8 awards $121.7M
- MA 5 awards $53.1M
- WA 3 awards $49.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.113). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $445,816,844 | |
| 2025 | $465,862,818 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,301,265 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for this grant?
Universities, medical research centers, nonprofit research institutions, and some for-profit entities with appropriate NIH institutional capacity. Your organization must have administrative systems to manage federal grants.
Are clinical trials allowed?
No. This program explicitly excludes RP1 clinical trial mechanisms. Focus on mechanistic research using experimental models, computational approaches, or biospecimens.
What research approaches are supported?
Studies using experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or human biospecimens to address mechanistic questions about metal exposure and biological effects.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $100,000 to $500,000. Competitiveness depends on scientific innovation and institutional capacity.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This program does not require matching funds or cost-sharing from your institution.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on mechanistic questions, not clinical outcomes. Study how metals affect cells, tissues, and biological pathways at the molecular level.
- Frame your hypothesis clearly. Reviewers want to see specific, testable predictions about metal transport, cellular trafficking, or biological mechanisms.
- Use multiple lines of evidence when possible. Combining experimental models with computational or biospecimen data strengthens applications.
- Address a gap in existing literature. Explain why current understanding is incomplete and why your approach is novel.
- Demonstrate institutional capacity for compliance and financial management. NIH reviewers assess your organization's ability to execute federally funded research responsibly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trial designs or outcome studies instead of mechanistic research. Including therapeutic or clinical endpoints that fall outside the mechanistic focus. Failing to articulate a clear, testable mechanistic hypothesis about metal biology.
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