Lantern Grants

NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21)

The R21 funds early, high-risk ideas that could open a new direction, before there is enough data for an R01.

34 open NIH R21 calls right now →

What it funds

Exploratory or developmental work: a new model, method or technology, or a first test of an unconventional hypothesis. Preliminary data are not required, so reviewers judge the idea's promise and the soundness of the plan.

Who can apply

Same as the R01: any eligible institution may apply for any investigator. Not every NIH institute accepts R21s through the parent announcement, so check the participating institutes.

Award size

Up to $275,000 in direct costs across both years combined, with no more than $200,000 in a single year.

Duration

Up to 2 years. R21s cannot be renewed; the usual next step is an R01.

How applications are reviewed

Study-section review under the Simplified Review Framework, with the Research Strategy limited to 6 pages. Reviewers weigh potential impact against risk, and do not expect preliminary data.

Deadlines

Standard due dates for new applications are 16 February, 16 June and 16 October; resubmissions are due 16 March, 16 July and 16 November. Targeted NOFOs set their own dates.

Our summary, checked against NIH guidance in October 2026. Rules, budgets and dates change: always confirm in the current announcement before you apply.

Open NIH R21 calls

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