NIDCR Small Research Grants for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Health-related Data Analyses and Statistical or Computational Methodology Development (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services, has announced its intention to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity to support research projects focused on secondary analyses of existing data and the development of statistical or computational methodologies in the fields of dental, oral, and craniofacial health. This forecasted opportunity is published under opportunity number NOT-DE-26-008 and will use the R03 activity code, specifically for small research grants where clinical trials are not permitted. The notice is intended to give researchers time to form collaborations and design strong projects in advance of the formal application window. The purpose of this initiative is to advance the use of existing oral and craniofacial data by funding projects that apply innovative approaches, including new analytical methods, statistical models, or computational techniques. By encouraging secondary analysis, the program aims to generate new insights from previously collected datasets while also enhancing the tools available for future dental and craniofacial research. Proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear plan for methodological rigor, scientific value, and relevance to the NIDCR mission. Funding for this program is structured as discretionary grants, with details on award ceiling, floor, and total program funding not yet released. However, applicants are advised that the mechanism is designed for small research projects and will follow NIH guidelines. The estimated number of awards has not been specified, but funding will begin with projects starting July 1, 2026, aligning with NIH’s fiscal year 2026 budget. No cost sharing or matching is required for this program, making it more accessible to a wide range of eligible entities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad. Applicants may include state and local governments, county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, federally recognized tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, as well as small businesses. This broad eligibility allows for a wide array of organizations to participate, provided their proposed research aligns with the outlined focus areas. The timeline for this program begins with an estimated posting date of November 12, 2025. Applications will be due by December 12, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by July 1, 2026, with projects starting that same day. Because this is currently only a forecasted opportunity, applications are not being accepted yet, but applicants are encouraged to begin preparing well in advance of the official release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Interested applicants should direct questions to the designated program officer, Lorena Baccaglini, DDS, MS, PhD, at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. She can be reached by phone at 301-435-7908 or by email at lorena.baccaglini@nih.gov. Further information and updates will be available once the official Notice of Funding Opportunity is published on Grants.gov.