NICHD is interested in grant applications that examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social determinants of health and the health of underserved and health disparities populations.

NICHD priorities include:

• Research based on population representative samples.
• Comparisons of underserved populations and/or vulnerable populations (as defined by this underserved nor vulnerable.
• Research that examines multiple levels of factors influencing outcomes, such as individual-, family-, and community-level factors, and government policies.
• Research on the effects of masking—by the child and by individuals who interact with children— on child development.

Among the COVID-19 medically and/or socially vulnerable populations, NICHD prioritizes the following groups: individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities, individuals involved with the juvenile justice systems (incarcerated or under community supervision); children with parents involved with the criminal justice system; individuals with HIV/AIDS; pregnant and post-partum women; children and adolescents; individuals in overcrowded or public housing; immigrants and the children of immigrants; residents of tribal lands or reservations; individuals exposed to high rates of air pollution or other toxic exposures; and individuals who reside in rural and remote communities.

Because NICHD is already making substantial investments to the Safe Return to School Diagnostic Testing Initiative, NICHD will not be prioritizing research on return to school submitted through this funding announcement.

For more information: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HD-21-046.html