The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the world’s largest public funder of biomedical research, investing billions of taxpayer dollars annually into scientific discovery. This significant public expenditure necessitates a high degree of transparency and public accountability for how those funds are used to advance human health. To fulfill this mission, the NIH maintains a public-facing database that offers a detailed look into the thousands of research projects it supports. This resource allows anyone, from journalists and policymakers to other scientists and the general public, to explore the vast portfolio of federally supported science.
The Official NIH Funding Database
The authoritative source for information on NIH-funded research is called RePORTER (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results). RePORTER serves as the primary repository, collecting data on all projects that receive financial support from the agency. This includes traditional research grants, contracts, and research conducted by NIH scientists within the agency’s own laboratories (intramural projects).
The scope of RePORTER extends beyond the NIH, as it also incorporates information on projects funded by other U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies. The database is continuously updated, providing a reliable, near-real-time snapshot of active research projects and those recently completed. It is a comprehensive tool for understanding the national investment in health and medical science.
How to Search for Funded Research
Navigating RePORTER is straightforward, offering options ranging from a simple quick search to an in-depth advanced search interface. Users can begin by entering general keywords, such as a specific disease name or a biological process. The quick search function efficiently locates projects based on key terms, a Principal Investigator’s name, or a specific project number.
For a more refined investigation, the advanced search allows filtering results using multiple criteria simultaneously. You can narrow the search by specifying a particular NIH Institute or Center (IC), such as the National Cancer Institute, or by limiting the results to a specific fiscal year. Additional filters include the grant mechanism, which identifies the type of award (e.g., R01 or K99), and the geographical location of the recipient institution. This level of detail makes it possible to pinpoint research efforts in highly specialized areas or track funding distribution across the country.
What Grant Records Reveal
Each individual grant record provides specific information about the funded project. A prominent feature is the project abstract, which offers a summary of the proposed research, including its specific aims and scientific rationale. This allows users to quickly understand the nature of the investigation being supported.
The record also discloses financial details, including the total reported funding amount and the project period. The Principal Investigator (PI), the scientist leading the research, is clearly identified, along with their affiliated institution. These details ensure full transparency regarding who is conducting the research, where it is being done, and the extent of the taxpayer investment.
Using the Database to Track Scientific Focus
The RePORTER database serves a purpose far greater than simple lookups of individual projects; its aggregate data is utilized for high-level analysis of the national research landscape. By examining collective funding patterns across different diseases and scientific fields, journalists and policymakers can identify emerging research priorities. This allows for an objective assessment of where federal dollars are being directed and whether the investment aligns with current public health challenges.
Researchers use the data to track institutional success rates and locate experts, aiding in the formation of collaborations. Observing the distribution of funding over time provides a measure of public accountability and helps monitor the national commitment to specific health issues.