The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announces a funding opportunity titled "Screening and Functional Validation of Human Birth Defects Genomic Variants." The initiative aims to promote the screening, validation, and characterization of genetic variants linked to congenital defects, utilizing advances in genetic technologies and publicly available genomic data. The funding is intended to bridge the gap between identifying potential genetic variants and understanding their functional implications on phenotypes related to structural birth defects, intellectual disabilities, and metabolic disorders. Applications are solicited for various study approaches, including non-hypothesis driven screening and hypothesis-driven mechanistic studies. Successful proposals will reflect innovative methodologies using available genomic databases, in vitro, and in vivo models. The maximum budget is $499,999 per year for a project period of up to five years, with an application process adhering strictly to NIH standards. Key dates include application due dates in June and February each year through 2025, emphasizing the importance of early submission to correct potential errors. The document details eligibility criteria, required registrations, and an extensive review process evaluating scientific merit, significance, approach, and investigator qualifications. Overall, this funding opportunity supports research aimed at understanding and improving interventions for birth defects through genomic insights.