BBAER Program Opens Applications for Organizations Advancing ELSI Research in Genetics and Genomics

Applications are open for the Building Partnerships and Broadening Perspectives to Advance Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (BBAER) Program (UM1), Clinical Trial Optional (RFA-HG-24-026). This opportunity supports organizations interested in advancing scholarship and capacity in ELSI research related to advances in genetics and genomics.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants must be domestic organizations located in the United States and its territories that received less than $30 million per year in total NIH funding for the past three fiscal years (FY 2023–2025). Eligible applicants may propose partnerships with other organizations that receive more than $30 million per year in NIH funding.

Students and trainees are not eligible to apply. Organizations outside of the United States are not eligible to apply.

About the Program

The goals of the Building Partnerships and Broadening Perspectives to Advance ELSI Research (BBAER) Program are to:

• Advance ELSI scholarship
• Enhance ELSI research teams through partnerships with relevant communities
• Build ELSI research capacity
• Expand the ELSI workforce
• Collectively, these goals will broaden the types of knowledge, skills, expertise, experience, and perspectives brought to bear in ELSI research.

This program is funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute’s (NHGRI) ELSI Research Program. Since 1990, the ELSI Research Program has funded research, research training, resource development, and other activities addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of advances in genetics and genomics.

Learn More and Apply

Detailed application requirements and program information are available in the Notice of Funding Opportunity RFA-HG-24-026, which includes an overview diagram of all application elements. Frequently Asked Questions and a recorded program presentation are also available online.

Per NIH notice NOT-OD-26-019, letters of intent are no longer required. For additional questions or to discuss organizational interests, please contact Dr. Rene Sterling at rene.sterling@nih.gov.

Related Links: 

• Notice of Funding Opportunity RFA-HG-24-026 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-24-026.html
• BBAER Frequently Asked Questions https://www.genome.gov/event-calendar/BBAER-pre-application-webinar/FAQ
• BBAER Pre-Application Recorded Webinar https://www.genome.gov/event-calendar/BBAER-pre-application-webinar
• RFA-HG-24-026 Overview Diagram https://www.genome.gov/sites/default/files/media/files/2024-06/bbaer_um1_nofo_diagram.pdf