New Directions in Hematology Research (SHINE-II) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAS 21 150

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS 21 150

The New Directions in Hematology Research (SHINE-II) funding opportunity (PAS 21-150) is an NIH R01 grant program designed to push nonmalignant hematology research into genuinely new territory. The core idea is to support high-impact, early-stage studies that test a novel concept or approach and generate convincing "proof of principle" data. Rather than backing large, multi-aim research programs, this FOA emphasizes a tightly defined project built around one specific aim. The expectation is that the proposed work is focused enough to be completed within a short, practical window of about 1 to 3 years, and that the results will help validate an unconventional or emerging direction that could open up new lines of discovery in hematology.

The scientific scope is explicitly centered on nonmalignant hematology, meaning applications should focus on blood and blood-forming systems in ways that are not primarily about blood cancers. In practice, this can include fundamental and translational questions about blood cell production, function, regulation, or disorders that are not malignant, as long as the project is clearly framed as a proof-of-concept test of a fresh idea. The intent is not incremental progress on an established pathway, but a well-justified attempt to demonstrate that a new mechanism, tool, model, hypothesis, or strategy can work and is worth expanding into future, broader research.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant mechanism under the NIH, using the R01 funding instrument with clinical trials listed as optional (meaning an application can include a clinical trial component if it fits the aims and NIH definitions, but it is not required). The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.839, 93.847, and 93.866, reflecting NIH program areas tied to health research funding. The listed award ceiling is $200,000, which reinforces the "proof-of-principle, one-aim" nature of the program: the goal is to fund a sharp, decisive study rather than a large-scale effort.

Eligibility is broad across many U.S.-based organization types, including state, county, city, township, and 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 that are not federally recognized; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not higher-education institutions when applying under those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as 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, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized ones, and U.S. territories or possessions.

There are also clear limits related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant organization. In addition, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply. However, "foreign components" are allowed as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which typically means a U.S. applicant can propose certain scientifically justified activities performed outside the U.S. under NIH rules, as long as the application meets NIH requirements for oversight, justification, and compliance.

Key identifying details from the announcement include the title "New Directions in Hematology Research (SHINE-II) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)," the opportunity number PAS 21-150, and the NIH as the sponsoring agency. The opportunity was created on 2021-03-08, and the original closing date listed is 2024-05-07. Overall, the program is best suited for applicants who have a bold, testable idea in nonmalignant hematology and can design a lean, well-controlled, one-aim project that produces a strong validation signal within 1 to 3 years and sets up a larger future research trajectory.

• The National Institutes of Health in the food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "New Directions in Hematology Research (SHINE-II) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.839, 93.847, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-03-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-07. (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 PAS 21 150

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