NHLBI R35 Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) and Emerging Investigator Award (EIA) Program
May 03, 2024
RFA-HL-26-002 NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA)
RFA-HL-26-003 NHLBI Emerging Investigator Award (EIA)
The purpose of the NHLBI R35 Program is to promote scientific productivity and innovation by providing long-term support and increased flexibility to experienced Principal Investigators (PIs) who meet the eligibility requirements of the NOFOs (Notice of funding Opportunity) and whose outstanding record of research demonstrate their ability to make major contributions to the heart, lung, blood and sleep (HLBS) research. The R35 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 R35 will support the research program of NHLBI-funded investigators for up to seven years. The R35 will provide investigators increased freedom to conduct research that breaks new ground or extends previous discoveries in new directions. It will also allow PIs to take greater risks and to pursue research that requires a longer timeframe. Research supported by the R35 must be within the scope of the NHLBI mission (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/mission-statement).
It is anticipated that the R35 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 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 PIs’ commitment to research through increased stability of funding; and
- Enable PIs to devote more time and energy to mentoring students and junior scientists and providing scientific service.
Below are answers to commonly asked questions regarding the NHLBI R35 OIA and the EIA Programs. Further questions about the NHLBI R35 Program should be sent to NHLBI_R35@mail.nih.gov.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
- Q. Can I continue to work with my current collaborators, including foreign collaborators?
- NHLBI strongly encourages collaborative research, including foreign collaborators. NHLBI will accept R35 applications with a foreign collaboration. However, NHLBI will not provide funding for foreign consortium arrangements through this funding opportunity.
- NHLBI strongly encourages collaborative research, including foreign collaborators. NHLBI will accept R35 applications with a foreign collaboration. However, NHLBI will not provide funding for foreign consortium arrangements through this funding opportunity.
- Q. Can the R35 application be submitted as a multiple-PI (MPI) application?
- No. All R35 applications must be single PI application and MPI applications are not allowed.
- No. All R35 applications must be single PI application and MPI applications are not allowed.
- Q. Can you clarify how much flexibility is meant by "flexibility to pursue new research directions"?
- In research, potential new directions often arise that may, for example, require changes in the model system used or involve the pursuit of new biological problems related to the overall goals of the research program. To accommodate the dynamic nature of research, the R35 program provides flexibility to pursue new directions that are reasonable extensions of the overall themes of the peer-reviewed application, provided the science remains within the mission of the NHLBI. PIs are expected to work with program staff to ensure that the program remains within the mission of the NHLBI. Any changes in scope to what was originally proposed in the application will require prior approval from NHLBI Office of Grants Management. See next question for additional details.
- In research, potential new directions often arise that may, for example, require changes in the model system used or involve the pursuit of new biological problems related to the overall goals of the research program. To accommodate the dynamic nature of research, the R35 program provides flexibility to pursue new directions that are reasonable extensions of the overall themes of the peer-reviewed application, provided the science remains within the mission of the NHLBI. PIs are expected to work with program staff to ensure that the program remains within the mission of the NHLBI. Any changes in scope to what was originally proposed in the application will require prior approval from NHLBI Office of Grants Management. See next question for additional details.
- Q. What might be considered out of the scope of an OIA/EIA?
- Work that migrates fully into the mission of another NIH institute or center would be considered out of scope and not appropriate for pursuit through the R35. Changes in scope could include, for example, the addition of or a change in the approved use of human subjects, vertebrate animals, select agents or human embryonic stem cells. However, such changes in scope require prior approval from NHLBI before the work is initiated. Please refer to the NIH change in scope policy (NIH GPS 8.1.2.5) for additional guidance.
- Work that migrates fully into the mission of another NIH institute or center would be considered out of scope and not appropriate for pursuit through the R35. Changes in scope could include, for example, the addition of or a change in the approved use of human subjects, vertebrate animals, select agents or human embryonic stem cells. However, such changes in scope require prior approval from NHLBI before the work is initiated. Please refer to the NIH change in scope policy (NIH GPS 8.1.2.5) for additional guidance.
- Q. In the absence of specific aims, how do I conceptualize and prepare a non-modular budget?
- The requested budget should include information for costs related to accomplishing the Research Strategy proposed in the application. Given that the NHLBI R35 Program will generally fold in investigators’ current research projects, the requested budget should reflect the budgetary needs for the current research. If the proposed R35 research program is intended to continue the R01 line of research, it may be appropriate to consider existing R01 budgets as a baseline.
- The requested budget should include information for costs related to accomplishing the Research Strategy proposed in the application. Given that the NHLBI R35 Program will generally fold in investigators’ current research projects, the requested budget should reflect the budgetary needs for the current research. If the proposed R35 research program is intended to continue the R01 line of research, it may be appropriate to consider existing R01 budgets as a baseline.
- Q. How many R35 awards has NHLBI funded?
- Information about NHLBI R35 awards is publicly available through the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools (NIH RePORTER).
II. Eligibility Information
- Q. When and how can I renew my existing NHLBI R35 awards?
- If your existing active R35 (OIA or EIA) competing segment was awarded in FY2019 (Oct 1, 2018– Sep 30, 2019), you are eligible to submit a new R35 OIA application for the February 2024 and 2025 application due dates.
- If your existing active R35 (OIA or EIA) competing segment was awarded in FY2020 (Oct 1, 2019 – Sep 30, 2020), you are eligible to submit a new R35 OIA application for the February 2025 and 2026 application due dates.
- If your existing active R35 (OIA or EIA) competing segment was awarded in FY2021 (Oct 1, 2020 – Sep 30, 2021), you are eligible to submit a new R35 OIA application for the February 2026 and 2027 application due dates.
- If your existing active R35 (OIA or EIA) competing segment was awarded in FY2022 (Oct 1, 2021 – Sep 30, 2022), you are eligible to submit a new R35 OIA application for the February 2027 application due date (You may also be eligible to apply for February 2028 application due date contingent upon the renewal of the R35 NOFO).
- If your R35 (OIA or EIA) competing segment was awarded in FY 2017 or in FY 2018, you are no longer eligible to submit a new R35 OIA application based on your R35 award.
- If your new R35 award becomes fundable, the existing R35 award will be relinquished
- You are not eligible to apply if your R35 award is in no cost extension period
- Existing R35 awardees (OIA or EIA) can only apply for OIA R35 awards
- All R35 applications must be new applications (Type-1). Resubmission (A1) and renewal (Type-2) applications are NOT allowed
Eligible Application Due Dates | 02/15/24 | 02/19/25 | 02/19/26 | 02/19/27 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Competing R35 Award FY 2019 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Competing R35 Award FY 2020 | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Competing R35 Award FY 2021 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Competing R35 Award FY 2022 | No | No | No | Yes |
- Q. One of my R01-equivalent grants is in a No Cost Extension, includes a Clinical Trial, and/or is MPI. Am I eligible to apply?
- At least one of the qualifying R01-equivalents must be a single-PI, AND not in a NCE, AND not a Clinical Trial.
The other R01-equivalent may be MPI, and/or in a first NCE, and/or include a Clinical Trial. Grants in second NCE are not eligible.
- At least one of the qualifying R01-equivalents must be a single-PI, AND not in a NCE, AND not a Clinical Trial.
- Q. Are R35 awardees eligible for the NHLBI Emerging Investigator Award (EIA)?
- No. Existing R35 awardees (OIA or EIA) in their 6th or 7th year may only apply for OIA.
- No. Existing R35 awardees (OIA or EIA) in their 6th or 7th year may only apply for OIA.
- Q. At some point in the previous four years, my R01-equivalent grant was either on a NCE or I had an NHLBI R56 award. Do I still qualify as having had NHLBI support for the last four consecutive years? Does having an NCE and/or an NHLBI R56 disqualify me from having continuous support?
- Continuous support from NHLBI on an active grant (including those on a NCE or R56) qualifies as four years of consecutive NHLBI support. As long as PI has active funding for four continuous fiscal years (FYs), this meets the requirement for consecutive support.
- Continuous support from NHLBI on an active grant (including those on a NCE or R56) qualifies as four years of consecutive NHLBI support. As long as PI has active funding for four continuous fiscal years (FYs), this meets the requirement for consecutive support.
- Q. What is meant by “four years of continuous support”?
- Continuous support means having an active NHLBI grant in each of the last four FYs, including the current FY. For example, for the February 15, 2024 application due date, the PI must have had an active NHLBI R01-equivalent grant in each FYs from FY 2021 (October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021) to FY 2024 (October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024).
- Q. One of my current grants is equivalent in budget and scope to an R01 grant (e.g., U10, P50, P01, a sub-project of a Program Project Grant, etc.) but is not the specified R01-equivalent type identified in the funding opportunity announcements (NOFOs) (i.e., R01, DP1, or DP2). Am I eligible to apply?
- No. For the purposes of the NHLBI R35 program, and as specified in the NOFOs, grant types for R01-equivalent awards are limited to only the R01, DP1, and DP2 mechanisms.
- No. For the purposes of the NHLBI R35 program, and as specified in the NOFOs, grant types for R01-equivalent awards are limited to only the R01, DP1, and DP2 mechanisms.
- Q. What is meant by "minimum of 50% effort"?
- Per the NOFOs, “minimum of 50% effort” means the PI must be able to commit 50% effort throughout the duration of the R35 award, the equivalent of 50% effort on a full-year appointment, 66.67% on a 9-month appointment, or 100% on a 6-month appointment. There are no exceptions to the 50% level of effort.
- Per the NOFOs, “minimum of 50% effort” means the PI must be able to commit 50% effort throughout the duration of the R35 award, the equivalent of 50% effort on a full-year appointment, 66.67% on a 9-month appointment, or 100% on a 6-month appointment. There are no exceptions to the 50% level of effort.
- Q. Why are U01s (including R01s that were converted to U01s) excluded from eligibility consideration?
- U01s require substantial NIH programmatic involvement. The overall goal of the R35 Program is to provide flexibility and freedom to conduct research that breaks new ground or extends previous discoveries in new directions.
- U01s require substantial NIH programmatic involvement. The overall goal of the R35 Program is to provide flexibility and freedom to conduct research that breaks new ground or extends previous discoveries in new directions.
- Q. What is meant by “currently” funded applications? Does it mean funded at time of receipt or at time of award?
- Eligibility is determined after the receipt of applications on the intended application due date.
- Eligibility is determined after the receipt of applications on the intended application due date.
- Q. Are individuals who have support from sources of funding other than NHLBI (e.g., other NIH components, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, or other types of substantial, unrestricted laboratory grant support) eligible to apply?
- Yes. Individuals may have support from other NIH components or from other sources, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements and are able to commit at least 50% effort (i.e., the equivalent of 50% effort on a full-year appointment, 66.67% on a 9-month appointment, or 100% on a 6-month appointment) of their research effort to the OIA/EIA.
- Yes. Individuals may have support from other NIH components or from other sources, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements and are able to commit at least 50% effort (i.e., the equivalent of 50% effort on a full-year appointment, 66.67% on a 9-month appointment, or 100% on a 6-month appointment) of their research effort to the OIA/EIA.
- Q. Can I submit R01-equivalent grant applications for continued funding of my current NHLBI grant support and simultaneously apply for R35?
- Yes. As indicated in the NOFO, investigators are encouraged to apply for R01-equivalent in parallel with an R35 application to maintain funding continuity. If both the R35 and R01 applications become eligible for funding, the applicant may accept only either the R01-equivalent award or the R35 but not both awards.
- Yes. As indicated in the NOFO, investigators are encouraged to apply for R01-equivalent in parallel with an R35 application to maintain funding continuity. If both the R35 and R01 applications become eligible for funding, the applicant may accept only either the R01-equivalent award or the R35 but not both awards.
- Q. I am a current R35 grantee in my 6th year of funding. Can I submit R01 grant application(s) and also apply for the next R35 simultaneously?
- Yes, as long as the R01 application(s) submitted in year 6 is (are) single PI R01 application(s). Investigators can submit R01 applications for the standard due dates in years 6 and 7 of their R35 award, in parallel with the next (new) R35 application in February.
- If the 1st attempt of the R35 in year-6 is not successful or if the PI did not apply for R35 in year-6, and the R01 application(s) meet the payline, the NHLBI will hold the R01 across FY and will be considered for funding next fiscal year.
- If the next (new) R35 application becomes fundable, the existing R35 will be relinquished and any held R01 application(s) withdrawn.
- If the PI is unable to continue in the R35 Program, any previously held R01s will be considered for funding. If the PI is successful in securing the next (new) R35 at any time, the existing R35 will be ended and any previously held R01 application(s) will be withdrawn.
- Please note, Multi-PI R01 application(s) are not permitted in year 6.
- NHLBI will not fund R01(s) and R35 grants simultaneously at any time point.
Y1 | Y2 | Y3 | Y4 | Y5 | Y6 | Y7 | Y8 | Y9 | Y10 | Y11 | Y12 | Y13 | Y14 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current R35 Award | ||||||||||||||
R35 Feb due date (1st attempt) | Apply | |||||||||||||
Single PI R01(s) Feb due date | Apply | Hold | ||||||||||||
Single PI R01(s) Jun/Jul due date | Apply | Hold | ||||||||||||
Single PI R01(s) Oct/Nov due date | Apply | Hold | ||||||||||||
R35 Feb due date (1st or 2nd attempt) | Apply | |||||||||||||
R01(s) Feb/Mar due date | Apply | |||||||||||||
R01(s) Jun/Jul due date | Apply | |||||||||||||
R01(s) Oct/Nov due date | Apply |
- Q. I have two active NHLBI R01 awards. One was originally awarded when I was an Early Stage Investigator (ESI), and it has since been successfully renewed. Does my renewed NHLBI R01 award qualify as “an NHLBI-funded NIH Early Stage Investigator award” and therefore meet that eligibility criterion for the Emerging Investigator Award (EIA)?
- No. Once an R01 has been renewed, it is no longer considered an Early Stage Investigator award. However, with two active R01 awards and four years of consecutive R01-equivalent NHLBI funding, it is possible that the investigator may be eligible to apply for the OIA.
- No. Once an R01 has been renewed, it is no longer considered an Early Stage Investigator award. However, with two active R01 awards and four years of consecutive R01-equivalent NHLBI funding, it is possible that the investigator may be eligible to apply for the OIA.
- Q. If I have an appointment at more than one institution, can I submit a separate R35 application through each institution?
- No. An investigator can only receive one NHLBI R35 award. The application should be submitted by the institution where the PI primarily conducts research, and the institution is the grantee for the R01-equivalent awards. Under rare circumstances, a subcontract may be permitted to support a part of the research program that is based at a different domestic institution.
- No. An investigator can only receive one NHLBI R35 award. The application should be submitted by the institution where the PI primarily conducts research, and the institution is the grantee for the R01-equivalent awards. Under rare circumstances, a subcontract may be permitted to support a part of the research program that is based at a different domestic institution.
- Q. Can I get a definitive determination of my eligibility prior to submitting an application to this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)?
- No. NHLBI staff can provide advice about eligibility; however, applications are evaluated for eligibility by the Receipt and Referral Office at the NIH Center for Scientific Review based on the criteria stated in the NOFO after receipt of the application.
- No. NHLBI staff can provide advice about eligibility; however, applications are evaluated for eligibility by the Receipt and Referral Office at the NIH Center for Scientific Review based on the criteria stated in the NOFO after receipt of the application.
- Q. If all of the grants that I am PI on are MPI R01s, am I eligible to apply for the R35 Program?
- No. As indicated in the eligibility section of the NOFOs, one of the qualifying R01-equivalent awards must be single-PI, AND not in a No Cost Extension, AND not a Clinical Trial.
- No. As indicated in the eligibility section of the NOFOs, one of the qualifying R01-equivalent awards must be single-PI, AND not in a No Cost Extension, AND not a Clinical Trial.
- Q. How will my existing MPI R01 grant impact the R35 award amount?
To preserve the collaborative nature of the MPI awards, the NHLBI will not fold the MPI R01-equivalent awards into the R35. PIs with existing MPI R01-equivalent grants will be allowed to continue to completion. At the end of the MPI project period, the R35 investigator’s proportionate share from the MPI project will be added to the future year R35 commitments such that funding stability is maintained for seven years.
Below is an example of an award budget for a meritorious R35 application:
An investigator with a:- Single-PI R01 ($250K direct costs), and a
- Multiple-PI R01 with 2 (two) PIs ($250K direct costs):
Equates to an R35 budget of: $375K direct costs
- This is the sum of the single-PI R01 budget ($250K) and proportionate amount of MPI budget ($125K)
- In this case, the R35 may be initially awarded at $250K direct costs until the end of the MPI award project period. Future year commitments will be adjusted to $375K so that the investigator’s funding remains stable for seven years.
This approach also facilitates the goal of the R35 to reduce the time researchers spend writing grant applications. In most cases, the expectation is that the R35 will be the sole source of funding for a lab. Therefore, potential applicants with MPI award(s) should consider whether applying for this program is optimal for their situation. Furthermore, the R35 award must retain a 50% effort (i.e., the equivalent of 50% effort on a full-year appointment, 66.67% on a 9-month appointment, or 100% on a 6-month appointment) throughout the duration of the award (including the initial period of time when the MPI portion is not incorporated into the R35 award).
- Q. I know that once I am awarded an R35, I cannot be awarded a MPI application while my R35 award remains active. However, what happens to my MPI application that is under review in the same Council round as my R35 application? Will both the R35 and MPI applications be considered for funding?
- Yes, both the R35 and MPI applications under review in the same review and award cycle will be considered for funding. If the R35 application is awarded, the MPI award will no longer be considered for funding. If the MPI application is awarded, the R35 application will no longer be considered for funding. Please see FAQ #17.
III. Application and Submission Information
- Q. What became of the specific aims section of the grant application?
- Specific aims are not required because the goal of R35 is to move the scientific enterprise away from a focus on narrowly defined projects with highly tailored specific aims and to refocus attention on the big picture and overall impact of the research.
- Specific aims are not required because the goal of R35 is to move the scientific enterprise away from a focus on narrowly defined projects with highly tailored specific aims and to refocus attention on the big picture and overall impact of the research.
- Q. What format should the application follow?
- Follow the instructions in the SF424 R&R application guide as modified by the instructions in the NOFO. In brief, this means that the scientific content of the application will rely mainly on the abstract, facilities and other resources page, biographical sketch and the six-page research strategy, plus details on the involvement of human subjects and vertebrate animals, as necessary. Avoid duplicating material covered in other sections. Do not include lists of publications, except as part of the biographical sketch, or references as necessary in the Bibliography & References Cited section of the Other Project Information Form. Provide current and pending research support information at the time of application using the format typically used for Just-in-Time information. Be sure to distinguish the direct costs per year that support research in the investigator's laboratory from support that goes to other investigators.
- Follow the instructions in the SF424 R&R application guide as modified by the instructions in the NOFO. In brief, this means that the scientific content of the application will rely mainly on the abstract, facilities and other resources page, biographical sketch and the six-page research strategy, plus details on the involvement of human subjects and vertebrate animals, as necessary. Avoid duplicating material covered in other sections. Do not include lists of publications, except as part of the biographical sketch, or references as necessary in the Bibliography & References Cited section of the Other Project Information Form. Provide current and pending research support information at the time of application using the format typically used for Just-in-Time information. Be sure to distinguish the direct costs per year that support research in the investigator's laboratory from support that goes to other investigators.
- Q. Can I request money for equipment in the budget?
- Yes. You may request money for equipment with appropriate justification. Remember that such requests should be accommodated within a budget that is commensurate with the overall NHLBI grant support of the laboratory in recent years. This is not intended as a mechanism to acquire "big-ticket" items that may be covered under instrument-specific funding opportunities or to furbish a lab with equipment. Standard NIH Prior approval requirements (NIH GPS 8.1.2) apply to post award equipment requests.
- Yes. You may request money for equipment with appropriate justification. Remember that such requests should be accommodated within a budget that is commensurate with the overall NHLBI grant support of the laboratory in recent years. This is not intended as a mechanism to acquire "big-ticket" items that may be covered under instrument-specific funding opportunities or to furbish a lab with equipment. Standard NIH Prior approval requirements (NIH GPS 8.1.2) apply to post award equipment requests.
- Q. Who, if anyone, in addition to the PI should be listed as "key personnel"?
- Key personnel include any other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they receive salaries or compensation under the grant. Typically, these individuals have doctoral or other professional degrees, although individuals at the master's or baccalaureate level may be considered senior/key personnel if their involvement meets this definition. Consultants and those with a postdoctoral role may also be considered senior/key personnel if they meet this definition. Senior/key personnel must devote measurable effort to the project whether or not salaries or compensation are requested. "Zero percent" effort or "as needed" are not acceptable levels of involvement for those designated as senior/key personnel.
- Key personnel include any other individuals who contribute to the scientific development or execution of a project in a substantive, measurable way, whether or not they receive salaries or compensation under the grant. Typically, these individuals have doctoral or other professional degrees, although individuals at the master's or baccalaureate level may be considered senior/key personnel if their involvement meets this definition. Consultants and those with a postdoctoral role may also be considered senior/key personnel if they meet this definition. Senior/key personnel must devote measurable effort to the project whether or not salaries or compensation are requested. "Zero percent" effort or "as needed" are not acceptable levels of involvement for those designated as senior/key personnel.
- Q. How will support of other senior/key personnel (co-PIs) be considered?
- Senior/key personnel who are independent investigators can contribute effort toward R35. They may receive support from the award, but only if they do not also receive support from their own R35 award.
- Senior/key personnel who are independent investigators can contribute effort toward R35. They may receive support from the award, but only if they do not also receive support from their own R35 award.
- Q. Can I include a consortium for a collaborator?
- Yes, but such requests must be well justified and describe why collaborative research with the R35 PI is not feasible without funding support from the R35. The NHLBI encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary research when it is appropriate, and individual R35 grantees are free to collaborate with one another or with other investigators using funds from their respective individual grants to support their parts of the team's research. Consultants may be an additional option to support collaborative research. NHLBI will not provide funding for foreign consortium arrangements through this funding opportunity.
- Yes, but such requests must be well justified and describe why collaborative research with the R35 PI is not feasible without funding support from the R35. The NHLBI encourages collaborative and interdisciplinary research when it is appropriate, and individual R35 grantees are free to collaborate with one another or with other investigators using funds from their respective individual grants to support their parts of the team's research. Consultants may be an additional option to support collaborative research. NHLBI will not provide funding for foreign consortium arrangements through this funding opportunity.
- Q: Is late submission allowable for the R35?
- NHLBI allows the two-week window of consideration for late submission for individuals who have participated in a NIH peer review 2 months prior or subsequent to the application due date. Please refer to NOT-OD-15-039: Simplifying the NIH Policy for Late Application Submission.
IV. Review Information
- Q. What information can I add to my Biographical sketch?
- As noted in the active R35 NOFO (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-23-004.html) under the heading of “Biographical Sketch”: The OIA is intended for investigators with track records of creativity, consistent productivity, and significant scientific impact. The PD/PI should, in the Biographical Sketch, address these considerations and demonstrate a history of conducting rigorous and reproducible research and reporting it in a transparent fashion. In addition, the PD/PI should demonstrate their suitability for funding through the OIA, including flexibility and adaptability to new research opportunities. Explicitly address intellectual and technical contributions to any publications and highlight contributions since becoming an independent investigator. Include experience as a mentor of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral or clinical fellows, medical students, or junior faculty.
Please be aware that there is a new Bio sketch form to use for applications with receipt dates after May 25, 2021 (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-21-073.html). Further information can be found in the following link (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm). The page limit for the Bio sketch remains at 5 pages.
- Q. Are there additional review criteria for a current R35 awardee?
- No. All R35 applications are new applications and will be reviewed based on the “specific to this NOFO” review criteria that are published in the NOFO. There are no additional review criteria for current R35 awardees, and a progress report is not allowed for a new application.
- No. All R35 applications are new applications and will be reviewed based on the “specific to this NOFO” review criteria that are published in the NOFO. There are no additional review criteria for current R35 awardees, and a progress report is not allowed for a new application.
- Q. How will the review process for R35 differ from that for regular R01 research grant applications?
- Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria in the determination of scientific merit and give a separate criterion score for each. For this NOFO, reviewers will be asked to shift emphasis away from details of the application and the approach, and to emphasize the potential impact of the investigator's research program on the field.
- Reviewers will consider each of the review criteria in the determination of scientific merit and give a separate criterion score for each. For this NOFO, reviewers will be asked to shift emphasis away from details of the application and the approach, and to emphasize the potential impact of the investigator's research program on the field.
- Q. How do the review criteria differ from those for a regular R01 research grant application?
- The R35 general review criteria are the same as for the R01s, but there will be emphasis on the review of the investigator's overall NHLBI-relevant research program rather than a specific, narrowly focused project with highly tailored specific aims. Reviewers are expected to emphasize R35-specific aspects of significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach and environment.
- The R35 general review criteria are the same as for the R01s, but there will be emphasis on the review of the investigator's overall NHLBI-relevant research program rather than a specific, narrowly focused project with highly tailored specific aims. Reviewers are expected to emphasize R35-specific aspects of significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach and environment.
- Q. Given the absence of specific aims, how will the study section determine the appropriateness of the requested budget and arrive at a budget recommendation?
- Reviewers will be asked to consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed work. In answering this question, it is anticipated that reviewers will consider the past productivity of the investigator's laboratory in areas relevant to the NHLBI mission, given the resources at the laboratory's disposal, evidence of efficient use of funds in the past and likelihood of efficient use of funds in the future. Reviewers will not be asked to recommend specific, detailed budget cuts. Rather, they will be asked to recommend an overall budget amount.
- Reviewers will be asked to consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed work. In answering this question, it is anticipated that reviewers will consider the past productivity of the investigator's laboratory in areas relevant to the NHLBI mission, given the resources at the laboratory's disposal, evidence of efficient use of funds in the past and likelihood of efficient use of funds in the future. Reviewers will not be asked to recommend specific, detailed budget cuts. Rather, they will be asked to recommend an overall budget amount.
- Q. Does the expertise of reviewers on the R35 study section encompass the heart, lung, blood, and sleep fields? Or will the applications be reviewed in panels with heart-, lung-, blood-, and sleep-specific scientific expertise?
- The panel(s) reviewing the R35 applications will collectively have expertise from each of NHLBI’s specific mission areas. Given the absence of specific aims in this application, the expectation is that the review will be general in nature and focused on the challenge or gap in the field (as articulated in the R35 application), the applicant’s prior research contribution and impact on the research gap or challenge, and the expectation for the investigator’s research program to continue on its outstanding and productive trajectory.
V. Award Administration Information (Including Funding Restrictions in Section IV of the NOFO)
- Q. What is the timeline for transitioning from current NHLBI grant support to R35?
- This is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the expiration dates of existing NHLBI grant awards, their unobligated balances, and the best way to provide a smooth transition.
- This is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the expiration dates of existing NHLBI grant awards, their unobligated balances, and the best way to provide a smooth transition.
- Q. What, if anything, is different about the annual reporting required for R35?
- Annual reports are required using the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). The NOFO includes some additional instructions consistent with the broader goals of the research program supported by R35 and the absence of detailed specific aims. Additional information is requested that relates any new program directions to the NHLBI research mission, discussion of how the work continues to be innovative and of high impact, and the relationship of any new other support to the activities supported by R35.
- Annual reports are required using the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). The NOFO includes some additional instructions consistent with the broader goals of the research program supported by R35 and the absence of detailed specific aims. Additional information is requested that relates any new program directions to the NHLBI research mission, discussion of how the work continues to be innovative and of high impact, and the relationship of any new other support to the activities supported by R35.
- Q. Is carryover of an unobligated balance from one budget period to another permitted?
- Yes.
- Yes.
- Q. Are R35s eligible for administrative supplements? Competitive supplements (Revisions)?
- R35s are eligible for Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research and other types of administrative supplements, including equipment supplements that may be offered by NHLBI through notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. Competitive supplemental applications (revisions) in response to the NHLBI R35 NOFOs are not permitted. Generally, R35 awardees will be expected to reallocate existing resources to accommodate new research directions.
- R35s are eligible for Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research and other types of administrative supplements, including equipment supplements that may be offered by NHLBI through notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. Competitive supplemental applications (revisions) in response to the NHLBI R35 NOFOs are not permitted. Generally, R35 awardees will be expected to reallocate existing resources to accommodate new research directions.
- Q. On what basis will award decisions for the R35 be made? How will the budget for my R35 be decided?
- As for all other awards, the award decisions will be based on the scientific and technical merit of the proposed program as determined by scientific peer review, availability of funds, and relevance of the proposed program to program priorities. The R35 budget will be determined by the funding level of the PI’s current NHLBI research projects.
- As for all other awards, the award decisions will be based on the scientific and technical merit of the proposed program as determined by scientific peer review, availability of funds, and relevance of the proposed program to program priorities. The R35 budget will be determined by the funding level of the PI’s current NHLBI research projects.
- Q. I am currently an NHLBI R35 awardee. If I successfully compete for a new R35 application, how will my budget be determined?
- Applicants may request up to the maximum level of budget as defined in the NOFO. Final award amount will be determined based on scientific and technical merit of the proposed program as determined by scientific peer review, availability of funds, NHLBI Advisory Council recommendation, and relevance of the proposed program to program priorities.
- Applicants may request up to the maximum level of budget as defined in the NOFO. Final award amount will be determined based on scientific and technical merit of the proposed program as determined by scientific peer review, availability of funds, NHLBI Advisory Council recommendation, and relevance of the proposed program to program priorities.
- Q. Do I need to relinquish my K24 award in addition to my R01-equivalent awards when I receive the R35?
- Yes, the NHLBI K24 awards must be relinquished. The NHLBI will not fund R35 and K24 simultaneously.
- Yes, the NHLBI K24 awards must be relinquished. The NHLBI will not fund R35 and K24 simultaneously.
- Q. Are no cost extensions to the R35 award permitted?
- All extensions, including the first no cost extension, will require NHLBI prior approval. Extensions beyond the first NCE will be granted only in rare circumstances and will require extensive justification.
- All extensions, including the first no cost extension, will require NHLBI prior approval. Extensions beyond the first NCE will be granted only in rare circumstances and will require extensive justification.
- Q. How does receipt of support from R35 affect the eligibility of co-PIs to receive other grants?
- Senior/key personnel other than the PI may receive support from other awards, including other R35 awards on which they are also not the PI. Investigators who are PIs on more than one NHLBI R01 award are encouraged to consider consolidating their support by applying for an R35.
- Senior/key personnel other than the PI may receive support from other awards, including other R35 awards on which they are also not the PI. Investigators who are PIs on more than one NHLBI R01 award are encouraged to consider consolidating their support by applying for an R35.
- Q. What happens if the PI becomes unable to carry out the duties as a PI or will be absent for more than three months at a time for any reason?
- If the PI is no longer able to serve, the NHLBI will negotiate phasing out the award with the Recipient Organization. Extenuating circumstances may be handled on a case-by-case basis in compliance with NHLBI and NIH policies.
- If the PI is no longer able to serve, the NHLBI will negotiate phasing out the award with the Recipient Organization. Extenuating circumstances may be handled on a case-by-case basis in compliance with NHLBI and NIH policies.
- Q. I have an NHLBI Diversity Supplement on my current R01-equivalent award. If my R35 becomes fundable, what is the process for continuing this Supplement and transitioning it from the existing R01-equivalent award to the R35 award?
- Since the R35 is a new award, the recipient must re-apply through the eRA commons to the NIH NOFO PA-21-071. Given that the Diversity Supplement to the existing R01-equivalent award was already reviewed and approved, NHLBI staff will employ an expedited process for the review of these supplements. R35 awards that required relinquishment of a grant including a Diversity Supplement may support the supplement candidates on the R35 awards, under standard NIH pre-award cost authority (NIH GPS 7.9.1). If the Diversity supplement is not awarded, the supplement candidate may remain on the R35 as personnel.
Specifically, potential R35 awardees with active Diversity supplement funding will be instructed during the Just in Time Process, by NHLBI, to submit a new application with the following:- New face page for new supplement
- Remaining award balance and budget justification (for requests of an extension beyond the previously approved supplement duration)
- Research project progress report to date
- Statement about how research conducted through the diversity supplement contributes to the R35 Program
- These materials must be submitted through the NIH Program Announcement listed above, and in accordance with the guidance provided in the NHLBI Research Supplement Application Guidelines.
All other multi-year supplements (e.g., ORWH, OAR, OBSSR) will also end and will require a new supplement request application that will be processed on the typical (non-expedited) schedule.
- Since the R35 is a new award, the recipient must re-apply through the eRA commons to the NIH NOFO PA-21-071. Given that the Diversity Supplement to the existing R01-equivalent award was already reviewed and approved, NHLBI staff will employ an expedited process for the review of these supplements. R35 awards that required relinquishment of a grant including a Diversity Supplement may support the supplement candidates on the R35 awards, under standard NIH pre-award cost authority (NIH GPS 7.9.1). If the Diversity supplement is not awarded, the supplement candidate may remain on the R35 as personnel.
VI. Post-Award Information
- Q. Can I apply for R01s from other ICs while I am on an NHLBI R35 award?
- Yes, as long as the scope of the R01s is outside the mission of NHLBI and there is not overlap with the R35 program.
- Q. Once I am awarded an R35, can I also apply and receive an MPI NHLBI R01 award?
- No. NHLBI will not award a single PI or MPI NHLBI R01 applications to investigators with active R35 awards.
- No. NHLBI will not award a single PI or MPI NHLBI R01 applications to investigators with active R35 awards.
- Q. If I get an R35 award, can I then apply for an NHLBI Program Project Grant (PPG) P01?
- Yes. However, the PI must document any overlap in the Just-In-Time submitted for that application (per standard NIH rules) and explain how potential overlap due to the nature of the R35 will be mitigated. Before applying, investigators should consider whether the proposed research could be accomplished under the R35 award.
- Yes. However, the PI must document any overlap in the Just-In-Time submitted for that application (per standard NIH rules) and explain how potential overlap due to the nature of the R35 will be mitigated. Before applying, investigators should consider whether the proposed research could be accomplished under the R35 award.
- Q. I want to apply for or extend an NHLBI Diversity Supplement or a Re-Entry Supplement to my R35 award. What is the Diversity Supplement or Re-entry Supplement application or extension process for the R35?
- The process for applying for or extending a Diversity Supplement or Re-entry Supplement to an R35 is the same as any other mechanism. Please apply through the eRA commons to the applicable NIH Program Announcements in accordance with the guidance provided in the NHLBI Research Supplement Application Guidelines.
- The process for applying for or extending a Diversity Supplement or Re-entry Supplement to an R35 is the same as any other mechanism. Please apply through the eRA commons to the applicable NIH Program Announcements in accordance with the guidance provided in the NHLBI Research Supplement Application Guidelines.
- Q. Can I apply for NHLBI Catalyze Program funding while I am on an NHLBI R35 award?
- Yes. However, the PI must document any overlap in the Just-In-Time submitted for the Catalyze application (per standard NIH rules) and explain how potential overlap due to the nature of the R35 will be mitigated. Before applying, investigators should consider whether the proposed research could be accomplished under the R35 award.