Research to Advance the Understanding and Management of the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 18 094

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 094

This NIH grant opportunity (PAR-18-094) supports exploratory research aimed at improving how pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is understood, prevented, and treated. MODS is a major contributor to illness and death in critically ill children, yet the underlying biology and best management strategies remain poorly defined. The program is designed to push the field forward by helping investigators test early-stage ideas that could reshape clinical thinking or open up new directions for diagnosis and therapy. The overall goal is that stronger foundational knowledge and new approaches will eventually translate into better outcomes for children who have MODS or are at high risk of developing it.

The mechanism used is the NIH R21 (Clinical Trial Optional), which is specifically meant for exploratory and developmental work rather than large, fully built-out research programs. R21 awards are commonly used to generate preliminary data, validate new concepts, pilot innovative methods, or probe high-impact hypotheses that are not yet ready for a larger R01-scale project. Because of that purpose, the announcement explicitly welcomes projects that carry substantial scientific risk, as long as that risk is tied to the possibility of meaningful breakthroughs. At the same time, it draws a boundary around what this funding is for: studies that are small in scope and rely on well-established, widely accepted methods in mature areas are considered a better fit for the R03 small grant mechanism rather than an R21.

The opportunity sits within NIHs health-related research portfolio (CFDA 93.865) and uses the standard grant funding instrument. The award ceiling listed is $200,000, reflecting the emphasis on early-stage, proof-of-concept work rather than extensive multi-year clinical programs. The notice indicates the original closing date was May 7, 2019, and the opportunity record was created November 6, 2017. While the announcement is framed around establishing a broader research program in this area, the funded projects themselves are expected to be targeted, innovative efforts that collectively accelerate progress in pediatric MODS research.

A notable feature of the announcement is the breadth of eligible applicants. In addition to typical academic and research institutions, eligibility includes state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations and tribal governments that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. It also explicitly welcomes a wide range of mission-driven and capacity-building institutions and organizations, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This broad eligibility is intended to encourage diverse perspectives, settings, and scientific approaches, which is especially important for a complex syndrome like MODS that spans biology, clinical care, and health systems.

In practical terms, applicants are being invited to propose creative, early-phase studies that can clarify mechanisms of organ failure and organ-organ interactions in children, identify pathways that could be targeted for prevention or treatment, and improve clinical management strategies. Because the opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," projects may include clinical trials if scientifically justified, but a trial is not required; applicants can propose basic, translational, computational, or clinical research as appropriate to their aims. The emphasis throughout is on generating new understanding and actionable insights that can serve as stepping stones toward larger studies and, ultimately, improved pediatric care for MODS.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research to Advance the Understanding and Management of the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 18 094

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