The NIH supports Women’s Health Research

By Maha David, Project Officer - GO

The NIH has launched a Notice of Special Interest (NOSI)* to encourage research applications focused on diseases and health conditions that primarily affect women, progress differently in women, or are female-specific. Examples include autoimmune diseases, depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, gender-based violence, cardiovascular disease, HIV, reproductive aging, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and menopause. 

Among NIH participating Institutes and Centers are National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institute on Aging (NIA) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Investigators must carefully review the specific research interests of NIH Institutes and Centers that are participating in this NOSI. 

Applications are possible though the NIH R01 and R21 grant mechanisms: 

• R01 - NIH Research Project Grant: the award budget is not limited but must reflect the actual needs of the project. The maximum project period is 5 years.  Four deadlines are available on February 5, June 5 and October 5, 2025, and February 5, 2026.  

• R21 - NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant: the maximum award budget is $275,000 for up to 2 years. Four deadlines are available on February 16, June 16 and October 16, 2025, and February 16, 2026. 

  
  

Detailed objectives and specific areas of research interest are described in the full notice which we encourage you to read entirely. Despite the current situation at the NIH following President Trump's election, foreigners can still submit proposals. The only potential risk at this time is a delay in the evaluation process. 

These funding opportunities align with Priority 4 of the Institut Pasteur's new strategic plan: Health & Diseases at the Extremes of Life - Mother-Child Health 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are interested at gointernational[at]pasteur.fr. We will be delighted to help you understand NIH expectations and prepare your application. 

*A NOSI is a is an announcement that describes a specific topic the NIH is interested in supporting.