Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 650
The Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional) opportunity, PAR 18-650, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to support early-stage, exploratory research on how interactions between people and animals influence health and development. Using the NIH R21 mechanism, the program is geared toward projects that are still building evidence or testing promising ideas, rather than large, definitive trials. Clinical trials are allowed but not required, which means applicants can propose anything from observational and mechanistic studies to pilot intervention work, as long as the approach fits the R21 scope and budget expectations.
The FOA highlights three main research directions. First, it encourages studies that examine how human-animal interactions affect typical and atypical child development and health. This can include work on social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or physiological outcomes in children, and it can also address developmental conditions or risk contexts where HAI might have measurable effects. Second, it invites evaluation of animal-assisted interventions aimed at children and adults with disabilities or those needing rehabilitative services. In practice, this area covers structured programs where animals are part of therapeutic, educational, or rehabilitation settings, with emphasis on determining whether these interventions meaningfully improve outcomes for participants and under what conditions they work best. Third, it supports research on animals and public health, including the cost effectiveness of involving animals in reducing or preventing disease. This signals interest not only in whether HAI or animal-involved approaches can change health outcomes at the population level, but also whether such approaches make economic sense compared with standard practices.
The award information provided indicates an award ceiling of $200,000. The original closing date listed is 2019-03-30, and the FOA was created on 2018-02-09. The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 93.865, and the funding instrument type is a grant within the Health, Income Security and Social Services activity category. While the expected number of awards is not specified in the provided data, the R21 structure generally implies NIH is looking for a portfolio of innovative, smaller-scale projects that can generate key preliminary findings and set the stage for future, larger studies.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units. Eligible applicants include 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; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories as stated); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly lists additional eligible applicant categories such as 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); eligible federal agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). Taken together, that eligibility language reflects NIH interest in encouraging a diverse range of institutions and communities to propose research relevant to HAI, including studies that may be culturally specific, community-centered, or conducted in non-U.S. settings.
In plain terms, this FOA funds research that tries to pin down what human-animal interactions actually do for health and development, who benefits, how the effects happen, and whether animal-assisted approaches can be justified in real-world clinical, educational, rehabilitation, or public health environments. The emphasis on intervention evaluation and cost effectiveness also suggests NIH is looking for work that moves beyond anecdotal claims and instead produces measurable, testable evidence that can inform practice and policy.Apply for PAR 18 650
- The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research (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 2018-02-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-03-30. (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.
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FAQs: Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional), PAR 18-650
What is the PAR 18-650 funding opportunity?
PAR 18-650 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity that supports early-stage, exploratory research on how interactions between people and animals influence health and development. It uses the NIH R21 mechanism and is designed for projects that are building evidence, testing promising ideas, or generating preliminary findings rather than running large, definitive studies.
What type of grant mechanism does this program use?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically used for innovative, exploratory, and developmental research projects. The R21 format generally aligns with smaller-scale studies intended to produce key preliminary data that can justify future, larger research efforts.
Are clinical trials required under this FOA?
No. Clinical trials are optional under this FOA. Applicants may propose clinical trials, but they are not required to do so. Proposed work can range from observational studies and mechanistic research to pilot intervention studies, as long as it fits the R21 scope and budget expectations.
What research topics does the FOA prioritize?
The FOA highlights three main research directions: (1) how human-animal interactions affect typical and atypical child development and health; (2) evaluation of animal-assisted interventions for children and adults with disabilities or those needing rehabilitative services; and (3) research on animals and public health, including cost effectiveness of involving animals in reducing or preventing disease.
What does the FOA mean by studying child development and health in the context of HAI?
This direction includes studies examining social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, or physiological outcomes in children associated with human-animal interactions. It also includes work focused on atypical development, developmental conditions, or risk contexts where HAI might produce measurable effects.
What counts as an animal-assisted intervention under this opportunity?
Animal-assisted interventions in this FOA refer to structured programs where animals are included in therapeutic, educational, or rehabilitation settings. The emphasis is on evaluating whether these interventions meaningfully improve participant outcomes and identifying the conditions under which they work best.
Does the FOA support research related to public health and economics?
Yes. One of the three highlighted directions is research on animals and public health, including evaluating the cost effectiveness of involving animals in efforts to reduce or prevent disease. This signals interest in both population-level health outcomes and whether animal-involved approaches are economically justified compared with standard practices.
What is the award ceiling for this opportunity?
The award ceiling listed for this opportunity is $200,000.
How many awards will NIH make under this FOA?
The provided information does not specify an expected number of awards. However, the R21 structure generally suggests NIH is seeking a portfolio of innovative, smaller-scale projects that can generate preliminary findings and support future, larger studies.
When was this FOA created, and what is the listed closing date?
The FOA was created on 2018-02-09, and the original closing date listed is 2019-03-30.
What is the CFDA number associated with this grant opportunity?
The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 93.865.
What is the funding instrument type and activity category?
The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is Health, Income Security and Social Services.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units, as well as non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). The FOA explicitly lists eligibility across government, education, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, including certain small business applicants.
Are state and local governments eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and special district governments.
Are schools and universities eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants include independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and private institutions of higher education.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Eligibility includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments. The FOA also explicitly includes Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized.
Are nonprofits eligible, including those without 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories as stated in the eligibility language provided).
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly lists U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant categories.
Are foreign organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) in the list of eligible applicants.
Are minority-serving and mission-specific institutions included in eligibility?
Yes. The FOA explicitly lists 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); and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations as eligible applicants.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly lists eligible federal agencies among the eligible applicant categories.
What kinds of study designs appear to fit this FOA?
Based on the description provided, the FOA allows a range of approaches consistent with the R21 scope, including observational studies, mechanistic studies, and pilot intervention research. Clinical trials may be proposed but are not required.
What is the overall goal of the research NIH is trying to fund here?
The FOA aims to fund research that clarifies what human-animal interactions do for health and development, who benefits, how effects occur, and whether animal-assisted approaches can be justified in real-world clinical, educational, rehabilitation, or public health environments. The focus on intervention evaluation and cost effectiveness reflects a priority for measurable, testable evidence that can inform practice and policy.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 18 650) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research (R03 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 649 Funding Number: PAR 18 649 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Developmental Pharmacodynamics and Models of Drug Effects in Pediatrics (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 687 Funding Number: PA 18 687 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Innovative Therapies and Tools for Screenable Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 689 Funding Number: PAR 18 689 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Therapies and Tools for Screenable Disorders (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 690 Funding Number: PAR 18 690 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Innovative Therapies and Tools for Screenable Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 691 Funding Number: PAR 18 691 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Developmental Pharmacodynamics and Models of Drug Effects in Pediatrics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 688 Funding Number: PA 18 688 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Reproductive Scientist Development Program (RSDP) (K12 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 18 103 Funding Number: RFA HD 18 103 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $920,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Establishing Basic Science-Clinical Collaborations to Understand Structural Birth Defects (R03 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 734 Funding Number: PAR 18 734 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Small Research Grants for Analyses of Data for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource (R03 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 733 Funding Number: PAR 18 733 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Identification and Management of Behavioral Symptoms and Mental Health Conditions in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 766 Funding Number: PAR 18 766 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Patient Safety in the Context of Perinatal, Neonatal, and Pediatric Care (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 790 Funding Number: PA 18 790 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Patient Safety in the Context of Perinatal, Neonatal, and Pediatric Care (R03 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 791 Funding Number: PA 18 791 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Rare Genetic Syndromes as a Window into the Genetic Architecture of Mental Disorders (Collaborative U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 201 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 201 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Rare Genetic Syndromes as a Window into the Genetic Architecture of Mental Disorders (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 19 200 Funding Number: RFA MH 19 200 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Immune Mechanisms at the Maternal-Fetal Interface (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AI 18 023 Funding Number: RFA AI 18 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Role of Epitranscriptomics in Development and Disease (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 831 Funding Number: PAR 18 831 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Development of Novel Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Methods (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HD 19 015 Funding Number: RFA HD 19 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Enhancing Developmental Biology Research at Academic Research Enhancement Award Eligible Institutions (R15 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 834 Funding Number: PAR 18 834 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Role of Gut Microbiome in Regulating Reproduction and Its Impact on Fertility Status in Women Living with and Without HIV (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 838 Funding Number: PA 18 838 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Role of Gut Microbiome in Regulating Reproduction and Its Impact on Fertility Status in Women Living with and Without HIV (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 839 Funding Number: PA 18 839 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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