The National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) Human Tissue and Organs for Research Resource (HTORR) Pilot Award Program will cover all costs associated with obtaining up to ~10 human biospecimens to be used in a pilot study, including tissue preservation reagents and shipping costs, for an award period of up to 24 months. The preliminary data generated through the completed Pilot Award study is expected to be used in at least one subsequent grant application by the end of the 2-year project period to at least one of the NIH institutes* supporting the Pilot Award Program.
Eligible individuals must hold a faculty position and meet one of these high priority areas: (1) Early-stage investigators within 10 years of a terminal degree or completion of residency OR (2) Established investigators that are transitioning to using human biospecimens
It is highly encouraged that all applicants fill out and submit the Requested Tissue Information Form to NDRI at least 2 weeks prior to submitting a full application. Submit forms to Grants@ndriresource.org.
The application must include:
- Requested Tissue Information Form
- Administrative Information Form
- Personal Statement (2 pages maximum)
- Lay Summary (500 words maximum)
- Scientific Abstract (500 words maximum)
- Specific Aims (1 page maximum)
- Research Plan (6 pages maximum): Background, Preliminary/Supporting Data, Experimental Plan, Timeline – must include experimental milestones and planned grant application submissions)
- References
- Letters of Recommendation (minimum of 2, maximum of 3)
- Additional Attachments: Applicant Biosketch, Biosketches for Collaborators (if applicable), Letters of Collaboration (if applicable)
- Signed HTORR Pilot Award Program Application Checklist
*Participating NIH Institutes: Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026, 5 pm ET | Anticipated Award Decision: July 2026 | Anticipated Earliest Start Date: August 2026