Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 845
The grant opportunity titled "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Basic Mechanisms of Health Effects (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-18-845) is a discretionary NIH research grant designed to fund basic, mechanistic studies on how aerosols produced by electronic nicotine delivery systems affect biological systems. The central focus is on understanding what ENDS aerosols do to human-relevant cells, tissues, and organs, both under normal conditions and in the context of disease states. In practical terms, the program is aimed at foundational science: identifying biological pathways, cellular responses, tissue-level changes, and organ-specific mechanisms that are triggered or altered by exposure to ENDS aerosols or their constituents. Because it is an R01 mechanism, the opportunity is geared toward well-developed, hypothesis-driven projects that can support a sustained, multi-year line of investigation rather than short pilot work.
A key feature of this announcement is that clinical trials are not allowed. That means applicants are expected to stay within the boundaries of basic or preclinical research rather than testing interventions or outcomes in a way that meets the definition of a clinical trial. Typical approaches under this kind of announcement would include in vitro studies using human or animal cells, ex vivo models, organoids, tissue explants, and in vivo animal models, as well as advanced analytical and toxicological methods that can clarify dose-response relationships and mechanisms of action. The emphasis on "basic mechanisms" signals that descriptive studies are generally less competitive unless they clearly connect to mechanistic questions, such as identifying causal pathways, biomarkers linked to exposure, or specific constituents that drive harmful or adaptive responses.
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health, and the program is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.113, 93.121, 93.279, 93.399), reflecting that the topic spans more than one NIH institute or center mission area. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity categories listed include education, environment, and health, which aligns with the cross-cutting nature of ENDS research: aerosol exposures intersect environmental exposure science and toxicology, while outcomes and mechanisms relate to respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, neurological, and other health domains. The source information lists an original closing date of June 15, 2021 and a creation date of June 29, 2018. No award ceiling or expected number of awards is specified in the provided data, which usually means budgets and award counts may depend on NIH institute participation, application volume, and available appropriations in a given cycle.
Eligibility is broad and includes most common U.S. applicant types: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), 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). Taken together, this indicates NIH is encouraging a wide range of research performers and perspectives, including institutions serving underrepresented populations and organizations located outside the continental U.S., to contribute to the evidence base on ENDS aerosol health effects.
Overall, this opportunity is best understood as NIH support for rigorous laboratory and mechanistic research that can clarify how ENDS aerosol exposure translates into biological changes relevant to human health and disease. The scientific payoff NIH is seeking is the kind of foundational understanding that can later inform risk assessment, regulatory science, product standards, and future applied or clinical research, without directly conducting clinical trials under this particular funding announcement.Apply for PAR 18 845
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Basic Mechanisms of Health Effects (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.279, 93.399.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-06-29.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-06-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity is titled "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Basic Mechanisms of Health Effects (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-18-845.
What type of research is this grant meant to support?
This announcement supports basic, mechanistic research focused on how aerosols produced by electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) affect biological systems. The emphasis is on identifying and explaining biological pathways and mechanisms (for example, cellular responses, tissue-level changes, organ-specific effects, and dose-response relationships) triggered by ENDS aerosol exposure or specific aerosol constituents.
What is the central scientific focus of the program?
The central focus is understanding what ENDS aerosols do to human-relevant cells, tissues, and organs. This includes studying effects under normal conditions and in the context of disease states, with an emphasis on mechanistic explanations rather than purely descriptive observations.
Which funding mechanism is used, and what does that imply about project scope?
The activity mechanism is an NIH R01 research project grant. In practical terms, this points to well-developed, hypothesis-driven projects designed to support a sustained, multi-year line of investigation rather than short pilot or exploratory work.
Are clinical trials allowed under this funding opportunity?
No. Clinical trials are not allowed. Applications are expected to remain within basic or preclinical research boundaries and not include work that meets the definition of a clinical trial.
If clinical trials are not allowed, what kinds of study approaches fit this announcement?
Approaches consistent with this announcement include basic and preclinical strategies such as in vitro studies (using human or animal cells), ex vivo models, organoids, tissue explants, in vivo animal models, and advanced analytical/toxicological methods aimed at clarifying mechanisms of action and dose-response relationships related to ENDS aerosols or their constituents.
Is the program primarily interested in descriptive studies?
The emphasis on "basic mechanisms" suggests that purely descriptive studies are generally less competitive unless they clearly connect observations to mechanistic questions. Examples of mechanistic connections described in the opportunity include identifying causal pathways, biomarkers linked to exposure, or specific constituents that drive harmful or adaptive responses.
What does the grant focus on: ENDS devices, nicotine, or the aerosol exposure?
The stated focus is on aerosols produced by ENDS and how those aerosols (or their constituents) affect biological systems. The announcement frames the research question around aerosol exposure and downstream biological mechanisms.
Who is the sponsoring agency?
The sponsoring agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Does this opportunity involve more than one NIH institute or center?
Yes. The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.113, 93.121, 93.279, 93.399), which indicates the topic spans more than one NIH institute or center mission area.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What activity categories are associated with this announcement?
The listed activity categories are education, environment, and health, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of ENDS aerosol research across exposure science, toxicology, and health-related biological mechanisms.
What health domains or biological systems are relevant to this opportunity?
The opportunity describes outcomes and mechanisms that can relate to respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, neurological, and other health domains, consistent with the broad biological reach of aerosol exposures.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities.
Are organizations serving underrepresented populations explicitly encouraged or included?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). It also includes faith-based or community-based organizations.
Can federal agencies apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants explicitly include eligible federal agencies.
Can U.S. territories or possessions apply?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes U.S. territories or possessions.
Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The opportunity indicates that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are eligible.
Is there a stated award ceiling or a stated expected number of awards?
No award ceiling or expected number of awards is specified in the provided information. This typically means actual budgets and award counts may vary based on NIH institute participation, application volume, and available appropriations in a given cycle.
What dates are provided for this opportunity?
The provided information lists a creation date of June 29, 2018 and an original closing date of June 15, 2021.
What is NIH ultimately trying to achieve through this program?
The program aims to build foundational, mechanistic understanding of how ENDS aerosol exposure translates into biological changes relevant to human health and disease. The intended scientific payoff is knowledge that can later inform risk assessment, regulatory science, product standards, and future applied or clinical research, without conducting clinical trials under this particular announcement.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education, Environment, Health
Next opportunity: Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice (SSERVI CAN-3)
Previous opportunity: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PAR 18 845
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 18 845) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Basic Mechanisms of Health Effects (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 846 Funding Number: PAR 18 846 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA ES 18 002 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $1,750,000 |
| Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 19 038 Funding Number: PAR 19 038 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT): Identification of Therapeutic Lead Compounds (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 039 Funding Number: PAR 19 039 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT): Optimization of Therapeutic Lead Compounds (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 040 Funding Number: PAR 19 040 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Promoting Research on Music and Health: Fundamentals and Applications (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA NS 19 009 Funding Number: RFA NS 19 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Immuno-Oncology Translation Network (IOTN): Cancer Immunoprevention Research Projects (UG3/UH3) Apply for RFA CA 19 012 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 19 051 Funding Number: PAR 19 051 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 055 Funding Number: PA 19 055 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 053 Funding Number: PA 19 053 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 054 Funding Number: PA 19 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIH Small Research Grant Program (Parent R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 052 Funding Number: PA 19 052 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 091 Funding Number: PA 19 091 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 092 Funding Number: PA 19 092 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 - Independent Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) Apply for PA 19 088 Funding Number: PA 19 088 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 098 Funding Number: PAR 19 098 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 121 Funding Number: PA 19 121 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 122 Funding Number: PA 19 122 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 19 131 Funding Number: PA 19 131 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 132 Funding Number: PA 19 132 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PAR 18 845", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.