NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)
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.
Eligibility
See official grant page for eligibility requirements
Industry Tags
About This Grant
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.
Funding Information
Eligibility Overview
This opportunity from National Institutes of Health is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Healthcare are especially encouraged to review the requirements.
Federal grant opportunities like this one are typically open to a range of applicant types. Common eligible organizations include:
- Nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations
- Small businesses and startups (especially for SBIR/STTR programs)
- State, local, and tribal governments
- Colleges, universities, and research institutions
- Individuals (for select programs in education, arts, and research)
Eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Always review the official listing before investing time in an application.
How to Apply
- 1
Review the full opportunity
Read the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for this National Institutes of Health program on its official page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/353821).
- 2
Confirm eligibility
Check that your organization meets every requirement set by National Institutes of Health — applicant type, location, registration status, and any prior-award restrictions.
- 3
Prepare required documents
Gather your budget narrative, needs statement, organizational details, SAM.gov registration, and any required certifications.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
This opportunity closes on April 28, 2027. Submit at least 48 hours early — portal systems are often slow near closing time.
Grant Writing Tips
Proposals for healthcare programs such as those from National Institutes of Health are competitive — these tips can strengthen your application:
- ✓Start your application at least 4 weeks before the deadline — rushed proposals score lower.
- ✓Tailor your needs statement to match the funder's stated priorities, using their exact language where possible.
- ✓Have a colleague outside your team review your budget narrative before submitting — fresh eyes catch errors reviewers penalize.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)?
This opportunity from National Institutes of Health is open to eligible applicants nationwide. Organizations working in Healthcare are especially encouraged to review the requirements. Always confirm the full eligibility criteria on the official listing before applying.
How much funding does NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
A specific award amount is not listed for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional). See the official grant page for funding details.
When is the deadline for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)?
The application deadline for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) is April 28, 2027. Submit at least 48 hours early to avoid last-minute portal issues.
How do I apply for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Apply for NHLBI Outstanding Investigator Award (OIA) (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) through the official grant page (https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/353821). Confirm your eligibility and prepare your application materials before the deadline.
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