ARPA-H launches initiative for early career researchers and community health centers 

Agency releases network survey to learn from next generation of health innovators 

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), today announced the ARPA-H Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative to increase access to government research funding and address health care gaps in the U.S. The EHI Initiative begins with a Network Survey, which will gather information and insights from early career investigators, community innovators, and administrators at academic institutions, including minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and community-based organizations (CBOs). 

“ARPA-H was built to drive breakthroughs in health, including finding a cure for cancer and addressing other health care gaps. To succeed, we need the best ideas from every corner of the country, including from those traditionally not given opportunities in research,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "The Biden-Harris Administration is making it easier for early career investigators, researchers, and administrators from minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations to be included and supported. The result will be the creation of new opportunities and game-changing results that benefit all Americans.” 

Through the EHI Network Survey, ARPA-H seeks to learn from these emerging health innovators about their specific needs, challenges, and concerns. These responses will inform a forthcoming funding solicitation, anticipated to be available in late 2024. ARPA-H intends the solicitation to offer two tracks: 

• Technology-driven Innovation (track 1) supports early career investigators in developing innovative health technologies. Eligible applicants: early career researchers, within 10 years of earning their final degree, in academic or research institutions including U.S.-based MSIs. 
• Community-center Innovation (track 2) empowers community innovators to develop technology that addresses specific community needs. Eligible applicants: community innovators, including but not limited to community health care workers, medical professionals, nurses, social workers at community health centers, non-profit organizations, and/or faith-based organizations. 

“ARPA-H seeks to accelerate better health outcomes for everyone, so it’s vital to partner with these emerging health trailblazers who are working every day to develop solutions for and in their communities,” said ARPA-H Director Renee Wegrzyn, Ph.D. “We are strengthened when our performers include those with fresh perspectives, deep technical expertise, and wide-ranging networks – all key ingredients in solving the toughest challenges in human health. The ARPA-H EHI Initiative is opening new doors to community-based innovations and inclusive solutions to improve health outcomes for all Americans.” 

In remarks at the announcement event at San José State University, ARPA-H Deputy Director Susan Monarez, Ph.D. notes, “ARPA-H understands that we have a responsibility to remove as many barriers as possible to work with us. The EHI Initiative aims to do just that by making it easier for everyone, regardless of any demographic differentiator, to contribute to achieving our mission.” 

View the full Network Survey. The deadline to respond is October 25, 2024, 11:59 PM ET. The EHI solicitation is anticipated to be available later in 2024. Future EHI awards would generally be in the form of other transaction agreements. Exact award amounts depend on meeting aggressive milestones, typical to the ARPA-H model.  

The ARPA-H EHI Initiative is in collaboration with the Customer Experience (CX) Hub of ARPANET-H, the agency’s nationwide health innovation network that connects people, innovators, and institutions to accelerate better health outcomes for everyone. Organizations interested in becoming a part of the CX Hub can view the member application process on the CX Hub website.