Grant opportunity

Mechanistic Toxicology of METALS: Metal Exposure, Transport, Action, Localization, and Susceptibility (RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support mechanistic research to understand how exposure to metals and metal-containing compounds alters biological processes relevant to human health. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate the absorption, distribution, transport, cellular trafficking, biological interactions, and mechanisms of action of metals, including mechanisms through which metals may alter immune homeostasis, cross the placental barrier, or gain access to and affect the central nervous system. Studies may employ experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or leverage human biospecimens where these approaches are used to address defined mechanistic hypotheses.

Pre-announcementGrantHealth and Biomedical SciencesUnited StatesNational Institutes of HealthGrants.gov
Funder
National Institutes of Health
Forecast notice: deadline to be announced
Forecast notice: deadline to be announced
Award
USD 500,000
Applicant
State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); For profit organizations other than small businesses; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Small businesses; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Special district governments
Discipline
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Region
United States
Posted
Sep 28, 2026

Call summary

Overview

Mechanistic Toxicology of METALS: Metal Exposure, Transport, Action, Localization, and Susceptibility (RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is official opportunity RFA-ES-27-009, published by National Institutes of Health during the 18-22 August 2026 hunt window.

Who can apply

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); For profit organizations other than small businesses; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Small businesses; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Special district governments. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

What it supports

  • The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support mechanistic research to understand how exposure to metals and metal-containing compounds alters biological processes relevant to human health. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate the absorption, distribution, transport, cellular trafficking, biological interactions, and mechanisms of action of metals, including mechanisms through which metals may alter immune homeostasis, cross the placental barrier, or gain access to and affect the central nervous system. Studies may employ experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or leverage human biospecimens where these approaches are used to address defined mechanistic hypotheses.
  • Opportunity number: RFA-ES-27-009

Funding and duration

  • Award ceiling: USD 500,000
  • Expected number of awards: 20

Forecast notice: deadline to be announced

Forecast notice: deadline to be announced

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Call details

Source-based overview

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support mechanistic research to understand how exposure to metals and metal-containing compounds alters biological processes relevant to human health. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate the absorption, distribution, transport, cellular trafficking, biological interactions, and mechanisms of action of metals, including mechanisms through which metals may alter immune homeostasis, cross the placental barrier, or gain access to and affect the central nervous system. Studies may employ experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or leverage human biospecimens where these approaches are used to address defined mechanistic hypotheses. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity RFA-ES-27-009.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); For profit organizations other than small businesses; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Small businesses; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; County governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); City or township governments; Special district governments. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: USD 500,000

Expected number of awards: 20

Themes and supported activities

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support mechanistic research to understand how exposure to metals and metal-containing compounds alters biological processes relevant to human health. Of particular interest are studies that elucidate the absorption, distribution, transport, cellular trafficking, biological interactions, and mechanisms of action of metals, including mechanisms through which metals may alter immune homeostasis, cross the placental barrier, or gain access to and affect the central nervous system. Studies may employ experimental models, new approach methodologies, computational approaches, or leverage human biospecimens where these approaches are used to address defined mechanistic hypotheses.

Opportunity number: RFA-ES-27-009

Deadline and timeline

Forecast notice: deadline to be announced: Forecast notice: deadline to be announced.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.