Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 943
The Biobehavioral Basis of Chronic Pain (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) opportunity, announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Funding Opportunity Number PA 18 943, is a discretionary grant program designed to spur early-stage, exploratory research that connects biological factors with behavioral and experiential features of chronic pain. The central goal is to move beyond broad, one-size-fits-all descriptions of chronic pain and instead clarify why people with the same underlying condition can report very different pain intensity, interference, distress, and functional impact. This program emphasizes research that can sharpen how chronic pain is defined and measured at the individual level, with the longer-term aim of improving mechanistic understanding and supporting more tailored approaches to prevention, assessment, and management.
A key theme of the announcement is the integration of "biobehavioral" perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to study how biology and behavior jointly shape the lived experience of chronic pain, including both sensory aspects (such as intensity, location, and sensitivity) and emotional or affective components (such as fear, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, and stress reactivity). The FOA highlights the importance of characterizing the individual using phenotype and genotype approaches, alongside other "omic" assessments. In practical terms, this points to research that may incorporate genetics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome profiles, or related molecular signatures, and then link those signatures to pain-related behaviors, symptom patterns, and psychosocial factors. The underlying idea is that chronic pain is not just a symptom but a complex condition influenced by interacting biological systems and behavioral processes, and that mapping those interactions can help explain variability between individuals.
The opportunity is structured as an R21, which typically supports innovative, higher-risk exploratory projects intended to generate foundational data, test novel hypotheses, or develop new approaches that can later be scaled into larger studies. Clinical trials are explicitly optional, meaning applicants can propose either non-clinical-trial studies (for example, observational, mechanistic, or biomarker-focused work) or clinical trial designs, as long as the work fits the scientific purpose of illuminating biobehavioral mechanisms of chronic pain. The stated award ceiling in the provided data is $200,000, indicating a relatively modest budget consistent with pilot-scale or proof-of-concept efforts.
The scope is broad in terms of who can apply, reflecting NIH's interest in drawing ideas from many sectors and communities. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S. governmental entities (state, county, city or township governments, and special district governments), educational institutions (including public and state-controlled universities, private institutions of higher education, and independent school districts), and tribal entities (federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other Native American tribal organizations). The announcement also welcomes participation from nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) organizations), public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. In addition, the FOA explicitly calls out other eligible applicant types 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, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). That breadth signals an intent to support diverse scientific perspectives and to encourage research that may be better grounded in different populations and settings.
From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity falls under the grant funding instrument and sits within education and health activity categories, with CFDA numbers listed as 93.213, 93.361, 93.393, and 93.846, reflecting NIH program areas tied to the announcement. The source data also notes an original closing date of 2022-01-07 and a creation date of 2018-10-01. Overall, the announcement is best understood as a call for creative, mechanistically oriented projects that combine biological measures (including multi-omic approaches where appropriate) with careful assessment of sensory, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of chronic pain, with a strong emphasis on explaining individual differences and refining how the burden of chronic pain is characterized for specific people rather than only at the population average.Apply for PA 18 943
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biobehavioral Basis of Chronic Pain (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.213, 93.361, 93.393, 93.846.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2018-10-01.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-01-07. (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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled The Biobehavioral Basis of Chronic Pain (R21 Clinical Trial Optional).
Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?
This opportunity is announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is PA 18 943.
What type of funding mechanism is this?
It is an R21 opportunity, which generally supports early-stage, exploratory, and potentially higher-risk research intended to generate foundational data or test novel ideas that can later support larger studies.
What is the overall purpose of this R21 program?
The central goal is to support exploratory research that links biological factors with behavioral and experiential features of chronic pain. A major emphasis is understanding why individuals with the same underlying condition can experience very different pain intensity, interference, distress, and functional impact.
What does "biobehavioral" mean in the context of this opportunity?
In this FOA, "biobehavioral" refers to research that integrates biological systems and measures (including molecular or "omic" signatures where appropriate) with behavioral, emotional, and experiential aspects of chronic pain, with the goal of clarifying how these factors interact to shape a person's lived pain experience.
What kinds of chronic pain features does the FOA encourage researchers to measure?
The FOA emphasizes assessing both:
- Sensory aspects (for example, intensity, location, and sensitivity), and
- Emotional/affective components (for example, fear, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, and stress reactivity).
Why does the FOA emphasize individual differences in chronic pain?
The program aims to move beyond broad, one-size-fits-all descriptions of chronic pain. It prioritizes research that helps explain variability between people and supports refining how chronic pain is defined and measured at the individual level.
What is meant by improving how chronic pain is "defined and measured" at the individual level?
Based on the FOA description, this refers to developing or sharpening approaches that more precisely characterize a given person's chronic pain burden and experience, rather than relying only on population-average descriptions. The longer-term intent is to support more tailored approaches to prevention, assessment, and management.
Are clinical trials required under this opportunity?
No. Clinical trials are optional under this FOA. Applicants may propose either non-clinical-trial studies (for example, observational, mechanistic, or biomarker-focused work) or a clinical trial design, as long as the project fits the scientific purpose of illuminating biobehavioral mechanisms of chronic pain.
What kinds of non-clinical-trial projects fit the FOA's intent?
The FOA description explicitly points to non-clinical-trial work such as observational, mechanistic, or biomarker-focused studies that connect biological measures to pain-related behaviors, symptom patterns, and psychosocial factors.
What types of biological approaches are encouraged?
The FOA highlights characterizing individuals using phenotype and genotype approaches and other "omic" assessments. Examples mentioned include:
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
- Transcriptomics
- Proteomics
- Metabolomics
- Microbiome profiles
- Related molecular signatures
How does the FOA expect biological measures to be used?
The emphasis is on linking biological signatures (including multi-omic profiles where appropriate) to chronic pain-related behaviors, symptom patterns, and psychosocial factors, to better understand mechanisms and explain differences in lived pain experience across individuals.
What is the stated award ceiling for this opportunity?
The provided information lists an award ceiling of $200,000, consistent with a pilot-scale or proof-of-concept R21 project.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
The FOA lists broad eligibility, including many U.S. and non-U.S. entity types. Examples explicitly mentioned include:
- State, county, city/township governments, and special district governments
- Public and state-controlled universities and colleges
- Private institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other Native American tribal organizations
- Nonprofits (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3))
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
- Small businesses
- Eligible federal agencies
- Faith-based or community-based organizations
- Regional organizations
- U.S. territories or possessions
- Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations)
Are minority-serving institutions explicitly included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA explicitly calls out multiple categories such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).
Does the FOA allow non-U.S. (foreign) organizations to apply?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations).
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under the grant funding instrument.
Which activity categories are associated with this opportunity?
The information provided places this opportunity within education and health activity categories.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this announcement?
The CFDA numbers listed are 93.213, 93.361, 93.393, and 93.846.
When was the opportunity created and what closing date is listed?
The source data notes a creation date of 2018-10-01 and an original closing date of 2022-01-07.
What is the main scientific emphasis of the FOA?
The FOA emphasizes mechanistically oriented projects that combine biological measures (including multi-omic approaches where appropriate) with careful assessment of sensory, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of chronic pain, with a strong focus on explaining individual differences.
What longer-term impact does NIH appear to be aiming for with this R21?
Based on the provided description, the longer-term aim is to improve mechanistic understanding of chronic pain and support more tailored approaches to prevention, assessment, and management by clarifying person-level drivers of pain variability.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 18 943) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Biobehavioral Basis of Chronic Pain (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 944 Funding Number: PA 18 944 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Applying a Biopsychosocial Perspective to Self-Management of Chronic Pain (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 946 Funding Number: PA 18 946 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Applying a Biopsychosocial Perspective to Self-Management of Chronic Pain (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 945 Funding Number: PA 18 945 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms of Disparities in Etiology and Outcomes of Lung Cancer in the U.S.: The Role of Risk and Protective Factors (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 019 Funding Number: PAR 19 019 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Mechanisms of Disparities in Etiology and Outcomes of Lung Cancer in the U.S.: The Role of Risk and Protective Factors (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 19 018 Funding Number: PAR 19 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Addressing Caregiver Symptoms through Technological Tools (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 19 023 Funding Number: PA 19 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Addressing Caregiver Symptoms through Technological Tools (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 19 024 Funding Number: PA 19 024 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Commercializing Understudied Proteins from the Illuminating the Druggable Genome Project (IDG) (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 034 Funding Number: PA 19 034 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Commercializing Understudied Proteins from the Illuminating the Druggable Genome Project (IDG) (R41/R42 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 19 033 Funding Number: PA 19 033 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Promoting Research on Music and Health: Fundamentals and Applications (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) Apply for RFA NS 19 008 Funding Number: RFA NS 19 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Care Approaches to Advanced Signs and Symptoms (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 045 Funding Number: PAR 19 045 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| End-of-Life and Palliative Care Approaches to Advanced Signs and Symptoms (R21- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 044 Funding Number: PAR 19 044 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening and follow-up through Implementation Science (ACCSIS)(UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA CA 19 018 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 018 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Strategies to Provide Culturally Tailored Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Seriously Ill American Indian and Alaska Native Individuals (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 058 Funding Number: PAR 19 058 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Strategies to Provide Culturally Tailored Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Seriously Ill American Indian and Alaska Native Individuals (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 057 Funding Number: PAR 19 057 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINR Clinical Trial Planning Grant (R34 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 19 060 Funding Number: PAR 19 060 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Mechanism for Time-Sensitive Drug Abuse Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 19 064 Funding Number: PAR 19 064 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Implementation Science for Cancer Control: Advanced Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA CA 19 006 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $1,200,000 |
| Implementation Science for Cancer Control: Developing Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA CA 19 005 Funding Number: RFA CA 19 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Telomeres in Wellness and Disease: A Biobehavioral Approach (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 19 074 Funding Number: PA 19 074 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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