Genomics and Health Equity RFA FAQs
On August 23, 2023, the National Human Genome Research Institute hosted a pre-application webinar for the Investigator-Initiated Research in Genomics and Health Equity RFAs: RFA-HG-23-017 and RFA-HG-23-018.
The following questions were answered during the webinar.
Specific examples of research questions; for example:
- Would genomics/multi-omics sample sizes of XXX in X populations be competitive?
- Would creating a minority cohort registry be supported?
Applicants are encouraged to contact a relevant Program Director who is listed in the RFA to discuss alignment of their research ideas with the RFA and with the missions of the respective Institutes/Centers/Offices. In advance of this meeting, is helpful to send a draft of the proposed specific aims as well. For these RFAs, there must be a clear research focus on genomics and health equity.
Is there a preference of the type of institutions that the researcher should be affiliated with (Basic Research, Clinical Research, NGO, Governmental, private)?
No, any type of institution that meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Section III. Eligibility Information may apply.
Is it required to have a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-I from an underrepresented population for this RFA?
No, any individual who meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Section III. Eligibility Information may serve as the PI.
Is there a preference for retrospective vs prospective studies with new recruitment?
No. Applicants may propose any design that aligns with a genomics and health equity research question and remains within the budget and project period limits described in the RFA. Applicants should be familiar with the review criteria described in Section V. Application Review Information that describes how the proposed study design will be scored with respect to innovation, approach, and the other review criteria.
Does this RFA support training opportunities for minorities?
The RFA is not a training grant program. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in the biomedical or behavioral sciences, may be supported as part of the research team that will carry out the genomics and health equity research.
Does this RFA support research related to health disparities in low and middle income countries?
Applications submitted to this RFA should address a genomics and health equity research question that is relevant to advancing health equity in U.S. populations. Foreign components, as described in Section III. Eligibility Information, are allowed, but the focus on the application must be on health equity in U.S. populations.
Will there be a Special Emphasis Panel convened to review the applications?
Yes, NHGRI will convene a Special Emphasis Panel in accordance with NIH peer review policy and procedures.
Last updated: October 11, 2023