NIDDK Collaborative Grants Comparison
The complexity of biomedical science often requires the input and expertise of multiple collaborating investigators working as a team. Currently, NIDDK uses select grant mechanisms to foster multi-disciplinary, collaborative research projects. The table below provides a comparison of the administrative and scientific aspects of the Multi-PI R01, and the High Impact, Interdisciplinary Science (RC2) grant mechanisms.
Administrative Considerations
| Multiple-Principal Investigator Initiated Research Project (Multi-PI R01) | High Impact, Interdisciplinary Science (RC2) | |
|---|---|---|
|
Notice of Funding Opportunity
|
PA-20-185 (clinical trial not allowed) and PA-20-183 (clinical trial required) | PAR-25-277 |
| Typical Budget (Direct Costs per Year) | Up to $499,999. Higher budgets may be requested with NIDDK approval | Usually greater than $500K. Budgets vary and have no cap |
| Required Pre-Approval | Applicants requesting $500K or more in Direct Costs must contact NIDDK Program Staff at least 6 weeks prior to submission | Applicants requesting $500K or more in Direct Costs must contact NIDDK Program Staff at least 6 weeks prior to submission |
| Recommended Pre-Approval | Applicants are always encouraged to develop studies in consultation with the NIDDK. However, there is no formal recommended timeline for these discussions | Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss proposed studies with NIDDK staff and generate the Pre-Approval letter at least 3 months, and preferably 6 months, before submission |
| Average Number of Investigators | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| Application Review | Center for Scientific Review | NIDDK Special Emphasis Panel |
| Organization | Two or more PIs working collaboratively to address two or more related Specific Aims | An interdisciplinary research team that provides an integrative plan of working together to address a single, complex challenge |
Scientific Considerations
| Multiple-Principal Investigator Initiated Research Project (Multi-PI R01) | High Impact, Interdisciplinary Science (RC2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Scope | Focused project to address an overall hypothesis | Single project using an interdisciplinary approach to generate a research resource for the broader community, which may include discovery-based or hypothesis-generating science |
| Preliminary Data | Supporting preliminary data is essential | Preliminary data is not required, but evidence that study is feasible should be presented |
| Prior Collaboration Among PIs | Not Required, but demonstrated prior successful collaboration would significantly strengthen study | Not Required, but the interdisciplinary research team should provide an integrative plan for working together |
| New Research versus Extension of Previous Research | New studies or extensions of current or previous research efforts | High impact ideas that may lay the foundation for new fields of research |
Last Reviewed December 2024