Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for experienced researchers who lead major research programs in heart, lung, blood and sleep (HLBS) science. Applicants must currently be Principal Investigators on at least two active NHLBI R01-equivalent awards. They must demonstrate a strong record of research productivity and innovation.
Eligible organizations include universities, research institutions, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, and faith-based organizations. U.S. domestic entities and foreign organizations are eligible, though foreign components may have restrictions. Non-domestic entities cannot serve as applicant organizations.
The award supports research programs that align with NHLBI's mission for up to seven years. Projects may be renewed if the investigator maintains their standing and research remains within NHLBI scope.
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Program description
The purpose of the NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) is to promote scientific productivity and innovation by providing long-term support and increased flexibility to experienced Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) who are currently PDs/PIs on at least two NHLBI R01-equivalent awards and whose outstanding record of research demonstrates their ability to make major contributions to heart, lung, blood and sleep (HLBS) research. The OIA is intended to support a research program, rather than a research project, by providing the primary and most likely sole source of NHLBI funding on individual grant awards.
The OIA will support the research program of NHLBI-funded investigators for up to seven years. The OIA will provide investigators increased freedom to conduct research that breaks new ground or extends previous discoveries in new directions. It will also allow PDs/PIs to take greater risks and to pursue research that requires a longer timeframe. Research supported by the OIA must be within the scope of the NHLBI mission (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/mission-statement).
It is anticipated that the OIA will:
Provide a stable funding environment, thereby improving productivity and facilitating nimble, ambitious, creative research;
Accelerate scientific innovation by enabling flexibility in pursuing new research directions as they arise, since PDs/PIs will not be bound to specific aims proposed in advance of the studies;
Reduce the time researchers spend writing grant applications and managing multiple grant awards, thereby allowing more time to be devoted to conducting research;
Facilitate commitment of PDs/PIs to research through increased stability of funding; and
Enable PDs/PIs to devote more time and energy to mentoring students and junior scientists and providing scientific service.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NIH Form SF-424 (R&R)
- Research Strategy
- Biosketch (NIH Form Page 5)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost documentation
- Institutional Support Letter
- References supporting NHLBI mission alignment
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.840 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$9,471,643
-
$8,885,065
-
$8,728,007
-
$4,748,073
-
$4,650,084
-
$4,383,407
-
$4,329,292
-
$3,974,800
-
$3,945,135
-
$3,943,028
Top States by Funding
- MA 7 awards $24.6M
- NY 5 awards $19.0M
- MO 3 awards $16.5M
- WA 5 awards $16.1M
- CO 5 awards $15.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.840). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $68,908,737 | |
| 2025 | $72,174,672 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the OIA?
You must be a current PD/PI on at least two active NHLBI R01-equivalent awards. Your research record must demonstrate major contributions to heart, lung, blood, or sleep research.
What types of organizations are eligible?
Universities, medical schools, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, faith-based organizations, and government agencies can apply. Foreign entities cannot be the applicant organization, but foreign research components are allowed.
How long is the award period?
The OIA provides support for up to seven years, offering longer-term stability than traditional R01 grants.
What research can be supported?
Any research within NHLBI's mission scope in heart, lung, blood, and sleep diseases. You have flexibility to pursue new directions without being bound to specific aims proposed upfront.
Can I reapply if not funded?
Yes, reapplication is possible. Ensure your research record strengthens, maintain your R01-equivalent awards, and address any feedback from prior reviews.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Highlight your track record of R01-equivalent funding and major research contributions. Show sustained productivity and innovation in HLBS research.
- Clearly articulate your research vision for the seven-year period. Explain how the long-term stability will enable new directions or higher-risk studies.
- Demonstrate current leadership of at least two active R01-equivalent awards. Include recent publications showing research momentum.
- Emphasize how the OIA will reduce grant-writing burden and allow more time for mentoring and research. Explain specific benefits to your team.
- Align your research program squarely with NHLBI's mission. Use NHLBI's website to confirm relevance to their strategic priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to document active status on at least two R01-equivalent awards at time of submission. Proposing research outside NHLBI mission scope or too narrow in vision. Underestimating the importance of demonstrating sustained track record and impact.
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