The NIDCD Early Career Research Award (R21) supports early career scientists conducting basic and clinical research in areas such as hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. It funds diverse project types including secondary data analysis, small self-contained projects, methodology development, translational and outcomes research, and new technology development. The award aims to help investigators obtain preliminary data for future R01 applications. Thesis or dissertation research is not supported.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as nonprofits, small businesses, academic institutions, tribal governments, and government entities. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, but foreign components of U.S. organizations are allowed.
