About the Extramural Program
The NIAMS Extramural Program (EP) plans, develops, awards, and manages basic, translational, and clinical scientific research studies and training throughout the United States and abroad within the scientific mission of NIAMS through a wide array of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements to universities, hospitals, medical schools, small businesses and other organizations. The goal is to facilitate the most promising discoveries and emerging technologies for rapid translation to clinical applications for improving public health. These programs are administered through the NIAMS Division of Extramural Research (DER). In the current fiscal year we expended about 85% of our budget on extramural research, by providing $500 million in funding for 1,400 extramural grants and cooperative agreements.
We invite you to explore this site to learn about our supported scientific programs and to find resources to help identify funding opportunities and manage grant awards.
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Supported Scientific Programs
Arthritis Biology Program
Basic, translational, and clinical research on a number of arthritic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, Lyme arthritis, and more.Bone Biology, Metabolic Bone Disorders, and Osteoporosis Program
This program supports research on bone biology, clinical research on osteoporosis, metabolic bone disorders and bone quality.Cartilage and Connective Tissue Program
Research on cartilage and connective tissue, and the conditions that affect them.Clinical Osteoarthritis and Diagnostic Imaging Program
Research on clinical osteoarthritis; bone quality and skeletal imaging; and human genetics of bone and cartilage.Clinical, Integrative Physiology, and Rare Diseases of Bone Program
Research to study the mechanisms, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of bone diseases and their interaction with tissues and organs.Epidermis, Dermis and Skin Senses Program
Research basic, translational, and clinical studies of extracellular matrix (ECM) biology and diseases.Muscle Development and Physiology Program
Research to understand the development, growth, and maintenance of muscle tissue, including muscle regeneration and the biology of stem cells.Muscle Disorders and Therapies Program
Research on acquired and inherited diseases of the skeletal muscle, and muscle atrophy and injury.Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Program
Research on tissue engineering and repair of musculoskeletal tissues that explores new approaches to tissue regeneration.Orthopaedic Implant Science Program
The Orthopaedic Implant Science Program supports preclinical testing and development of orthopaedic implants and preclinical studies on implant wear and osteolysis.
Orthopaedic Research Program
Research on orthopedics and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, including studies of orthopedic devices and joint replacement.Rheumatic Diseases Integrative Biology Research Program
This program supports human genetic and genomic, biopsychosocial and behavioral, and pain related research in rheumatic diseases, with a goal to understand how a person’s genetics, environmental, behavioral and lifestyle factors influence health and to understand the best approach to prevent and treat diseases, ultimately bringing precision medicine to patients.Scleroderma, Fibrosis, and Autoinflammatory Disease Program
The Scleroderma, Fibrosis and Autoinflammatory Disease Program supports studies of basic, translational, and pre-clinical studies on scleroderma, fibrosis, and autoinflammatory diseases.Skin Immunology and Diseases, Skin Microbiome Program
Research on the immunobiology of the skin, including the regulation of skin immune responses and immune system cellular components.Skin Repair, Pigmentation and Appendages, Vasculature/Lymphatic Systems Program
Research on epidermal repair and regeneration and melanocyte biology, including the wound healing process and skin cell development.Systemic Autoimmune Disease Biology Program
Basic, translational, and clinical research on systemic autoimmune diseases, including lupus and autoimmune myositis.Resources
NIAMS Funding Plan
The NIAMS FY2023 funding plan for research and training grants.
Types of Funding Mechanisms
Review the variety of funding mechanisms used to support research at other institutions, organizations, and facilities.
Conducting Clinical Trials
The clinical trials program is designed to support studies with different levels of complexity and risk.
NIAMS Peer Review and Grants Administration Resources
Policies and procedures for administering an NIH grant, including the Peer Review & Grants Admin FAQs.
NIAMS-Supported Research Programs
Learn more about NIAMS funded research programs currently underway.
Small Business Grants
Funding opportunities to support small businesses in performing research and development on technologies.
NIH Policies and Guidance
NIAMS and NIH requirements for all grant awardees.Research News
Connecting the Dots: Oral Infection to Rheumatoid Arthritis
NIH Director's Blog | March 7, 2023Gut microbes may affect motivation to exercise
NIH Research Matters | January 12, 2023Newly Discovered Species of Gut Bacteria May Cause Some Cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis
NIAMS-Related Article | January 9, 2023Workshop Explores Strategies to Tackle Health Disparities in Osteoarthritis
NIH Record stories | October 31, 2022A Wearable Device Helps Make Back Pain Bearable
NIAMS-Related Article | July 12, 2022Contact Us
NIH, NIAMS, Extramural Program
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Grant Application Resources
Matchmaker
See if NIAMS is the best place for your research by using Matchmaker.
Matchmaker allows you to enter your abstract, research bio or other scientific text and retrieve a list of similar projects or program officers from the RePORTER database.