PAR-25-255
Developing novel theory and methods for understanding the genetic architecture of complex human traits (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
PAR-25-255: Genetic Architecture of Complex Human Traits
Research Focus
This funding opportunity supports development of novel theory and methods to understand how genetic and non-genetic factors shape complex trait variation across individuals, families, and populations. The funder seeks interdisciplinary approaches that move beyond reductive molecular frameworks to account for interactions across biological, social, and ecological scales. Research should employ formal theory, mechanistic models, robust simulations, and validation using large-scale, publicly accessible datasets from populations with diverse environmental exposures, demographics, and geographic histories. The goal is to characterize direct and non-direct, additive and non-additive, and main and interaction effects—enabling more comprehensive understanding of disease propensity and trait presentation.
Applicants must assemble multidisciplinary teams spanning statistical genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, epidemiology, sociology, econometrics, and complex systems science. New data generation is permitted only up to 20% of direct costs; the emphasis is methods and theory development, not primary data collection. When research involves socially sensitive traits or disparities among marginalized or minoritized groups, applicants must address potential harms, misconceptions, and responsible communication to scientific and lay audiences.
At-a-Glance
- Who can apply: U.S. institutions (specific eligibility details not stated in excerpt)
- Funding & project length: Not stated
- Award mechanism: R01 Research Project Grant (clinical trials not allowed)
- Key dates: Open January 5, 2025; multiple submission deadlines through October 5, 2026; earliest start dates range December 2025–July 2027
- Best fit for: Quantitative/population geneticists, evolutionary biologists, epidemiologists, and computational modelers developing generalizable methods for complex trait architecture across human health and disease
Key Facts
Deadline
Thu, November 5, 2026
Posted
Fri, November 15, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$250,000
Max Total
$1,250,000
Max Duration
5 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (6)
Applications must include a multidisciplinary team spanning natural and social sciences, but the NOFO does not specify minimum team composition, required disciplines, or how to document that this requ
90%
Source Text
“Do not include a multidisciplinary team of investigators spanning the natural and social sciences.”
Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this funding opportunity (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), but the NOFO does not clearly define what constitutes a 'clinical trial' in this context, cr
85%
Source Text
“Developing novel theory and methods for understanding the genetic architecture of complex human traits (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)”
For NCI-specific applications, three specific components are mandatory: (1) integrate germline genetic and environmental data, (2) utilize data across multiple scales, and (3) consider dynamism or mul
90%
Source Text
“For applications to be considered responsive to NCI interest, they will need to include all three of the following components: i) integrate germline genetic and environmental data, ii) utilize data across multiple scales (e.g., biological, social, or ecological organization), and iii) consider dynamism or multiple time points in the analysis.”
New data generation is capped at 20% of direct costs, but the NOFO does not specify whether this applies per aim, per year, or to the entire project period. It is also unclear whether 'validation' wit
85%
Source Text
“When new data generation is proposed for validation, it is not to exceed 20% of direct costs.”
The NOFO requires applicants to address 'how they will minimize misapplications and misconceptions' and 'communicate potential harms and benefits' for socially sensitive traits, particularly those wit
75%
Source Text
“In some cases, certain traits and outcomes may be socially sensitive especially when there are disparities among marginalized or minoritized groups. Applicants should indicate how they will minimize misapplications and misconceptions about their approaches and findings as well as how they will communicate the potential harms and benefits of the research to the scientific community and lay public.”
All genetic and phenotypic data used must be publicly available, with an exception only for new data generation (capped at 20% of costs). However, the NOFO does not clarify whether 'publicly available
80%
Source Text
“Any existing data sources used should be publicly available. When new data generation is proposed for validation, it is not to exceed 20% of direct costs. Methods and data (whether derived or new) should be made available to ensure analyses and findings are reproducible.”