NIH R01 Funding: Remote Clinical Trials for Integrative Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), has launched a compelling funding opportunity (PAR-25-268) to advance decentralized clinical research. This R01 grant mechanism supports investigator-initiated clinical trials that are conducted entirely remotely, leveraging mobile health (mHealth) and telehealth technologies.

Scope of Funding

The primary objective is to assess the efficacy or effectiveness of complementary and integrative health interventions. Proposals must center on fully remote delivery, meaning there should be no in-person contact between research staff and study participants. Key areas of interest include:

Utilization of mHealth tools, apps, and wearables for data collection and intervention delivery.

Studies addressing NCCIH high-priority areas (e.g., pain management, mind and body practices, natural products).

Rigorous empirical justification for the remote approach, ensuring feasibility and safety.

Eligibility and Requirements

This opportunity is open to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including:

Higher education institutions (public and private).

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations (including small businesses).

State and local governments.

While non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities cannot apply directly, foreign components are permitted. A critical requirement is the inclusion of a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), ensuring the research team and design foster inclusivity.

Partnership and Budget

Applicants are encouraged to form diverse teams that bridge clinical research, digital health technology, and community engagement. As an R01 grant, the budget is not capped at a specific fixed amount but must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project (typically under $500,000 direct costs per year requires no special approval; larger budgets are possible with prior permission). The project period can span up to 5 years.

Upcoming Deadlines

This opportunity follows standard NIH R01 submission cycles. Applications are accepted on:

June 22, 2026

October 20, 2026

A Letter of Intent is typically due 30 days prior to the application deadline.