Ancillary Studies to Ongoing Clinical Projects (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), is planning to release a funding opportunity to support ancillary studies connected to ongoing clinical research projects. This forecasted opportunity is intended to provide advance notice to the research community so investigators have sufficient time to develop collaborations and design scientifically rigorous proposals. NIAMS is a federal agency focused on advancing research into diseases affecting bones, joints, muscles, and skin, and it supports studies that improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. The purpose of this grant program is to fund ancillary studies that leverage existing clinical research infrastructure and resources. These resources may include well-characterized patient cohorts, clinical data, biological samples, and established study systems from ongoing parent clinical projects. While the parent clinical studies themselves do not need to fall within the NIAMS mission, the proposed ancillary research must clearly align with NIAMS priorities. This structure allows researchers to maximize the value of already funded clinical work while generating new insights without duplicating major infrastructure investments. Funding is expected to support approximately four awards with a total program allocation of about $2,000,000. Although specific award ceilings and floors are not provided, the R01 mechanism typically supports substantial research projects. Funds are expected to be used for research activities directly tied to the ancillary study, including data analysis, laboratory work, and personnel. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, reducing financial barriers for applicants. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of entity types. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, for-profit entities including small businesses, Native American tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. This inclusive eligibility framework is intended to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and participation from diverse sectors involved in clinical and translational research. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures once the Notice of Funding Opportunity is officially released. Applicants will likely be required to prepare a full research proposal detailing the scientific aims, methodology, use of parent study resources, and alignment with NIAMS priorities. While this forecast notice does not specify application components, NIH R01 applications typically include detailed research plans, biosketches, budgets, and institutional assurances. Investigators are encouraged to begin forming collaborations early, particularly with teams managing ongoing clinical studies. The timeline for this opportunity indicates an estimated posting date of February 4, 2026, with an anticipated application due date of April 6, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by December 4, 2026, with project start dates aligned to the same timeframe. As a forecasted opportunity, this notice serves primarily as an early engagement signal rather than an active solicitation. Interested applicants should monitor NIH communications for the official release and additional guidance. For further information, prospective applicants may contact Heiyoung Park at NIAMS via email or phone. Early communication with program staff is encouraged to ensure alignment with program goals and to clarify any uncertainties regarding eligibility or project scope. This opportunity represents a strategic investment in maximizing the impact of existing clinical research while advancing knowledge within the NIAMS mission areas.

Develop strong collaborations with existing clinical study teams and clearly demonstrate how the ancillary study adds value to existing data and infrastructure