We’re pleased to share a new notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the UNITE initiative, an NIH-wide effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research. The Research With Activities Related to Diversity (ReWARD) (PAR-23-122) program aims to enhance the breadth and geographical location of research and research-related activities supported by NIH. The program supports the health-related research of scientists who are making a significant contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and who have no current NIH research project grant funding. ReWARD grants will also provide support for the principal investigator (PI) to continue their DEIA-promoting activities.
First application due date: June 5, 2023
Earliest start date: April 2024
The ReWARD program provides funding for both the scientific research and the DEIA activities of investigators with a record of making significant, sustained, and impactful contributions to enhancing DEIA and who are not currently a PI on an NIH research project grant. It’s intended for individuals with a balanced approach to advancing scientific research and enhancing DEIA. Applications should be strong in both areas. PIs who intend to devote the majority of their funded efforts to scientific research are encouraged to apply to the parent R01; those who intend to devote their efforts primarily to DEIA or to propose activities on the scale of an institutional training grant program are encouraged to explore the variety of NIH funding opportunities aimed at enhancing diversity in the biomedical research workforce.
As an NIH-wide program, ReWARD supports scientific research in areas related to the missions of the participating institutes and centers. Applicants must submit a diversity statement, a plan for enhancing diverse perspectives, and an institutional letter of support as part of the application package. They should also read the NOFO instructions carefully before preparing their applications.
For more information about ReWARD, contact one of the program officers listed in the NOFO. For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact NIGMS ReWARD.
It’s great to see the NIH taking proactive steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research through initiatives like UNITE and ReWARD. By providing funding for both scientific research and DEIA-promoting activities, the ReWARD program aims to support investigators who have a strong record of contributing to diversity and who have the potential to make significant and sustained impacts in this area. It’s also encouraging to see that the program encourages applicants to have a balanced approach to advancing scientific research and enhancing DEIA, and provides guidance for those who may be better suited to other funding opportunities aimed at enhancing diversity in the biomedical research workforce. I hope that this program will help to create a more inclusive and equitable research environment and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for all.