How do I use ExPORTER?
ExPORTER allows you to download data from the RePORT Expenditures and Results (
RePORTER) database. ExPORTER provides a catalog of raw data for those who would like to conduct analyses on the research project data or load these records into their own data systems. These data are drawn from multiple sources and are available in both XML (Extensible Markup Language) and CSV (Comma-Separated Values).
ExPORTER uses the RePORTER data files which include information on research projects funded by:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The publications and patents citing support from these projects are also available.
Data are separated into major categories to keep files to a manageable size:
PROJECTS – Contains all associated project information not stored in one of the other category files.
ABSTRACTS – Contains each project abstract
PUBLICATIONS - Contains information on those publications which cited the support from the project.
PATENTS – Contains information on those patents which cited the support from the project in the iEdison system.
LINK TABLES – Contains relational information that can be used to establish the many-to-many relationships between projects and their publications.
What if I am having difficulty downloading a dataset from the catalog?
Problems during a download are usually a result of the web browser configuration. This is particularly true for high security computing environments, where they can interfere with access to certain datasets from the catalog. A common issue with government websites relates to the security certificates used, and end-user browsers that are not configured to recognize those certificates as being authoritative.
To resolve the problem, contact your local IT support staff to determine if browser configuration issues can be addressed from your workstation. Otherwise, please contact the RePORT helpdesk (
RePORT@od.nih.gov).
How often are the ExPORTER files updated?
Project files for the current fiscal year are created weekly. Each week a unique file is added to the ExPORTER Data Catalog that contains newly-added projects to the RePORTER database. At the end of each Fiscal Year, the data are frozen (around December) and a yearly file is created which will contain all projects funded in that fiscal year. In addition, the yearly files are regenerated for the three previous fiscal years’ project data.
- The Publication file is updated monthly.
- The Patent file is updated quarterly.
- All Link files is updated quarterly.
Why is the ExPORTER data different from the RePORTER data?
ExPORTER data files provide a snapshot, frozen in time, whereas RePORTER is updated weekly. Any changes to the RePORTER project records occurring after the ExPORTER files are created will not be reflected in the ExPORTER database. However, at the end of the fiscal year, the past year and previous three years’ files are refreshed with the most current RePORTER data. These regenerated past year files will include any changes to projects, such as award revisions and changes in PI, organization, and department names.
What is a Subproject?
A subproject can be defined as a discreet element associated with a larger research program. It receives a specific review assignment and assessment; score and/or descriptor. Subprojects can include a scientific investigation, the provision of a service or resource, or a combination of activities. Most are commonly part of the M, P, S, and U funding mechanisms.
Why are some Subproject abstracts missing from the database?
Recently, RePORTER sub projects with missing abstracts were updated with Parent Project abstracts. However, since ExPORTER files are frozen, there are cases where the project relationship cannot be uniquely identified. For such cases please refer to the Parent Project abstract.
How do I sign up for ExPORTER updates and email alerts?
Email Sign-Up can be done from the ExPORTER Home page or any of its Catalog pages.
You will receive notice of all ExPORTER updates and when newly generated files are available.
What is the difference between Total Dollars & Total Subproject Dollars?
Parent Project Total Dollars already include subproject dollars. To avoid counting subproject dollars twice, they are presented in a separate column in data tables shown on the Data and Visualization tab. Analyses involving total project funding should be taken from the dollars represented in that field. Subproject analyses can be constructed by using their individual dollar amounts.
Why are some Subproject abstracts missing from the database?
Each current fiscal year weekly file in the ExPORTER Catalog includes new projects added to RePORTER in that week’s refresh of RePORTER. It’s important to note that weekly files may include not only awards made in the current fiscal year but also projects funded in a prior year that are only now appearing in the RePORTER database. Examples in which this occurs include fellowships awarded in a prior year that have just been activated and new RePORTER records added when an existing grant is transferred to a new institution (type 7 awards).
Is the PHR column in the project files the same as the Project Abstract?
No. PHR refers to the public health relevance statement that NIH requires applicants to submit with their grant application. In RePORTER, the PHR appears both as a separate data element and it is appended to the end of the project abstract.
Does ExPORTER include non-NIH agency data also?
Yes. ExPORTER contains data for other agencies’ such as CDC, VA, and AHRQ. If you are comparing NIH data from other sources please ensure that you use the ADMINISTERING_IC column to exclude other agencies’ projects from ExPORTER data.
Agency List (File last updated Jan 31, 2012)
Does ExPORTER include information on projects funded through other mechanisms besides grants?
Yes. In addition to extramural grants, ExPORTER data include intramural projects, interagency agreements, and contracts. Intramural projects are those with an activity code beginning in “Z” (e.g., ZIA) interagency agreements have activity codes beginning in “Y” (e.g. Y01) and contracts have activity codes beginning in “N” (e.g., N01).
Why are some of the projects missing dollar amount?
Funding data is available only for NIH and CDC, fiscal years 2000 and later.
Funding data for earlier fiscal years and other agencies’ are not available through RePORTER/ExPORTER.
How do I report an error on ExPORTER data?
Please submit your correction request to the RePORT helpdesk (
RePORT@od.nih.gov)