Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA RM 20 003
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued this funding opportunity, titled "Real Time Chromatin Dynamics and Function (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," to push forward technologies that can watch the genome in action inside living cells. The central idea is to support the development and practical use of new or improved tools that can monitor, in real time, how mammalian DNA is folded and organized in three dimensions, and how that organization changes over time (often described as 4D genome architecture, where time is the fourth dimension). The opportunity is focused on generating insight into how the structural and organizing components of chromatin architecture influence biological processes, with an emphasis on live-cell measurement rather than static, end-point snapshots.
The award mechanism is a U01 cooperative agreement, which usually means the NIH expects substantial scientific involvement and coordination with awardees compared with a standard research project grant. The activity sits in the health research category and is associated with CFDA number 93.310. Importantly, the notice specifies "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," signaling that applications should be preclinical or basic/translational in nature and should not propose prospective clinical trial activities as defined by NIH. In practice, that aligns with the program's technical emphasis on tool building and live-cell genome imaging/measurement approaches in experimental systems, rather than interventional studies in human participants.
In terms of who can apply, eligibility is broad and covers many sectors that commonly participate in NIH research funding. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The announcement also explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant types, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and 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; tribal governments other than federally recognized ones; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. (foreign) entities. Taken together, the eligibility language indicates NIH was aiming to encourage participation from a wide range of research performers, including minority-serving institutions and international organizations where appropriate.
The opportunity number is RFA-RM-20-003, and it was posted with a creation date of November 25, 2019. The original closing date listed for applications was March 17, 2020. The public summary of the funding specifics in the provided source data does not include a stated award ceiling or an expected number of awards, so those details would typically require checking the full announcement text or NIH’s supporting documents for budgets, project periods, and anticipated portfolio size.
Overall, this solicitation is best understood as a targeted NIH initiative to accelerate real-time, live-cell methods for observing genome folding and movement, and to connect those dynamic structural measurements to function. The intended payoff is both technical (new enabling tools for tracking chromatin architecture over time) and biological (clearer mechanistic understanding of how genome organization contributes to gene regulation and other key cellular processes).Apply for RFA RM 20 003
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Real Time Chromatin Dynamics and Function (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.310.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2019-11-25.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-03-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- 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.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title of this NIH funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is titled "Real Time Chromatin Dynamics and Function (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)".
What is the main goal of this opportunity?
The goal is to advance technologies that can observe the genome in action inside living cells. Specifically, it supports the development and practical use of new or improved tools that can monitor, in real time, how mammalian DNA is folded and organized in three dimensions and how that organization changes over time.
What does "real time chromatin dynamics" mean in the context of this announcement?
In this context, it refers to measuring and tracking changes in chromatin architecture as they happen in living cells, rather than relying on static, end-point measurements taken at a single time point.
What is meant by "4D genome architecture"?
"4D genome architecture" refers to three-dimensional genome organization (how DNA is arranged in space) plus time as the fourth dimension, meaning the opportunity emphasizes how genome organization changes dynamically over time.
Is the focus more on technology development or biological discovery?
Based on the description provided, it targets both: (1) technical advancement (new enabling tools for live-cell observation of genome folding and movement), and (2) biological insight (understanding how structural and organizing components of chromatin architecture influence biological processes such as gene regulation).
Are applications expected to use live-cell approaches?
Yes. The opportunity emphasizes live-cell measurement and monitoring chromatin architecture over time, rather than static or end-point snapshots.
What types of systems are most consistent with the program emphasis?
The description aligns with experimental systems suitable for tool building and live-cell genome imaging/measurement approaches in mammalian cells, supporting preclinical or basic/translational work rather than interventional studies in human participants.
What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?
This opportunity uses the U01 cooperative agreement mechanism.
What does a U01 cooperative agreement imply for awardees?
A U01 cooperative agreement generally indicates that NIH expects substantial scientific involvement and coordination with awardees compared with a standard research project grant. In practice, applicants should anticipate collaborative interaction and programmatic coordination as part of the award structure.
Are clinical trials allowed under this opportunity?
No. The notice specifies "Clinical Trial Not Allowed", meaning the application should not propose prospective clinical trial activities as defined by NIH.
Does "Clinical Trial Not Allowed" mean the work must be non-human?
The provided description indicates the intent is to support preclinical or basic/translational efforts focused on technology and live-cell measurement approaches, rather than interventional studies in human participants. The key point from the notice is that prospective clinical trial activities should not be proposed.
Which NIH institute or agency issued this funding opportunity?
The opportunity was issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is RFA-RM-20-003.
What research category is this opportunity associated with?
It sits in the health research category.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The associated CFDA number is 93.310.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. The provided information lists eligible applicants including:
- State, county, city or township, and special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments
- Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities
- Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education)
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
Are minority-serving institutions explicitly included as eligible applicants?
Yes. The description explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant types such as:
- Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions
- Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs)
- Hispanic-serving institutions
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligibility language explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
Yes. The information provided lists eligible federal agencies as eligible applicants.
Are regional organizations eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list includes regional organizations.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes U.S. territories or possessions.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The eligibility language explicitly includes non-U.S. (foreign) entities.
When was this opportunity posted?
The creation date provided is November 25, 2019.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date listed for applications was March 17, 2020.
Does the provided summary include the award ceiling or the expected number of awards?
No. The provided source summary does not include a stated award ceiling or an expected number of awards.
What kinds of outcomes is NIH looking for from this program?
The intended payoff described includes both technical and biological outcomes: enabling tools for tracking chromatin architecture over time in living cells, and clearer mechanistic understanding of how genome organization contributes to function, including gene regulation and other key cellular processes.
What distinguishes this opportunity from approaches that capture only end-point data?
The program is distinguished by its emphasis on real-time and live-cell observation of chromatin architecture, focusing on dynamic changes rather than static snapshots taken after the fact.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: Effectiveness of Implementing Sustainable Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices in Low-Resource Settings to Achieve Mental Health Equity for Traditionally Underserved Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Previous opportunity: Building Population Health Research Capacity in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for RFA RM 20 003
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (RFA RM 20 003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| 4DN Centers for Data Integration, Modeling and Visualization (UM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 20 004 Funding Number: RFA RM 20 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIMH Instrumentation Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 20 555 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 555 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fine-Mapping Genome-Wide Associated Loci to Identify Proximate Causal Mechanisms of Serious Mental Illness (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 21 100 Funding Number: RFA MH 21 100 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Implementing and Sustaining Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices in Low-Resource Settings to Achieve Equity in Outcomes (R34 Clinical Trial Required ) Apply for RFA MH 20 401 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 401 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Research Network (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 20 340 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 340 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Effectiveness of Implementing Sustainable Evidence-Based Mental Health Practices in Low-Resource Settings to Achieve Mental Health Equity for Traditionally Underserved Populations (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 20 400 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 400 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 066 Funding Number: PAR 20 066 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Transformative Technology Development for the Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 20 001 Funding Number: RFA RM 20 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Tissue Mapping Centers for the Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA RM 20 002 Funding Number: RFA RM 20 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| AHRQ Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) Apply for PA 20 067 Funding Number: PA 20 067 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Quality of Care and Patient Outcomes During Care Transitions (R01) Apply for PA 20 068 Funding Number: PA 20 068 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Immune Tolerance Network (UM1 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA AI 19 068 Funding Number: RFA AI 19 068 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Advanced-Stage Development and Utilization of Research Infrastructure for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 20 071 Funding Number: PAR 20 071 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research Infrastructure Development for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (R21/R33 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 20 070 Funding Number: PAR 20 070 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Infrastructure Access (X01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 073 Funding Number: PAR 20 073 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAID Investigator Initiated Program Project Applications (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 072 Funding Number: PAR 20 072 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIDCR Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award for A Diverse Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research Workforce (F99/K00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 20 069 Funding Number: PAR 20 069 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| CATALYTIC CHANGE FOR CROSS BORDER HEALTH Apply for RFI 720 623 001 Funding Number: RFI 720 623 001 Agency: Kenya USAID-Nairobi Category: Health Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Novel Imaging Approaches for detection of Persistent HIV and Neuroimmune dysfunction associated with HIV In the Central Nervous System (CNS) (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA MH 20 331 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 331 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Novel Imaging Approaches for detection of Persistent HIV and Neuroimmune dysfunction associated with HIV In the Central Nervous System (CNS) (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MH 20 330 Funding Number: RFA MH 20 330 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "RFA RM 20 003", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.