Pre-Application: Research Innovation for Scientific Knowledge (RISK) for Musculoskeletal Diseases (X02 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 18 900

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 900

The Pre-Application: Research Innovation for Scientific Knowledge (RISK) for Musculoskeletal Diseases (X02, Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) funding opportunity built specifically to surface bold, high-innovation ideas in musculoskeletal research that may not fit comfortably within traditional NIH grant pathways. The central theme is scientific risk paired with strong potential payoff: projects are encouraged to spring from unusual observations, imaginative or controversial hypotheses, and unconventional concepts that meaningfully depart from prevailing theories or standard practice. In practical terms, this FOA is trying to create space for investigators to propose work that could open entirely new lines of inquiry or shift existing paradigms, even if the supporting evidence is early, the approach is unconventional, or the idea challenges current assumptions.

Scientifically, the program is positioned as disease-focused translational research within the NIAMS mission, with this particular pre-application targeting musculoskeletal diseases (the broader RISK program also spans skin and rheumatic diseases, but this X02 is the musculoskeletal-focused entry point). NIAMS invites studies that improve understanding of mechanisms underlying relevant diseases or conditions, as well as projects that develop or test diagnostics, therapeutic agents, or preventive interventions. The scope is explicitly pre-clinical and translational: work can advance an intervention or tool up to, but not including, first-in-human studies. Both this X02 and the companion R61/R33 mechanism are not intended to support clinical trials, and applications proposing clinical trial activity would be considered out of scope.

Structurally, the X02 is a pre-application mechanism and functions as an initial screening step for a larger, subsequent application. While submission of an X02 is described as highly recommended rather than strictly required, it is framed as the preferred first step toward the companion R61/R33 FOA (RFA-AR-19-013). Investigators submit an X02 to introduce the high-risk, high-impact concept and its fit with the RISK program’s goals. NIAMS then identifies which pre-applications are both highly innovative and strongly aligned with program priorities; those investigators are notified of the opportunity to submit a full R61/R33 application under the companion announcement. Because the X02 is tied closely to the R61/R33 pathway, prospective applicants are expected to review both FOAs to understand the full process and expectations.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and government entities. 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; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (when not an institution of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other eligible organizations. The FOA also explicitly highlights inclusion of a range of institution types such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the opportunity is limited to domestic applicants: non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined by NIH policy) are not allowed.

From the administrative details provided, this opportunity is an NIH discretionary grant in the health category (CFDA 93.846), with Funding Opportunity Number PAR 18 900. The original closing date listed is July 3, 2019, and the posting creation date is August 10, 2018. An award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided data, which is consistent with some pre-application or program-specific announcements where the emphasis is on program fit and subsequent invitation rather than a defined standalone budget competition.

Overall, the X02 RISK pre-application is best understood as a gateway for musculoskeletal projects that are scientifically daring but still anchored in a plausible translational path. The program is trying to identify ideas that could materially reshape how musculoskeletal diseases are understood, diagnosed, prevented, or treated, while keeping the work firmly on the non-clinical side of the pipeline and using the pre-application to route the strongest, most relevant concepts into the full R61/R33 application process.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Pre-Application: Research Innovation for Scientific Knowledge (RISK) for Musculoskeletal Diseases (X02 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): 93.846.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-08-10.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-07-03. (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.

Apply for PAR 18 900

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