NICHD Small Research Grant Program (R03 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

The NICHD Small Research Grant Program (R03 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) is a funding opportunity provided by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The R03 mechanism is designed to support small-scale research projects that fall within the NICHD's mission and involve basic experimental studies with human participants. These studies must meet both the NIH definition of a clinical trial and the federal definition of basic research, which is the pursuit of greater understanding of fundamental phenomena without immediate application to products or processes. This funding opportunity, reissued under Funding Opportunity Number PA-25-126, specifically targets basic experimental studies involving human participants. These studies prospectively assign participants to different conditions or interventions and assess biomedical or behavioral outcomes. The purpose is to deepen scientific knowledge of fundamental aspects of human development and health-related behaviors. Projects eligible for support under this NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) include pilot studies, feasibility studies, secondary analyses, small-scale research efforts, development of methodologies, and creation of new research technologies, provided they align with the NICHD’s broad scientific priorities. NICHD supports research in areas such as contraception, fertility, prenatal and postnatal development, childhood development, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and rehabilitation medicine. Applications must align with the scientific missions of the NICHD Division of Extramural Research's twelve branches or the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR). Applications that fit into the general categories of observational studies or those with applied clinical intent, such as FDA-related phases or efficacy studies, are directed to other companion NOFOs and not eligible under PA-25-126. Funding is limited to $50,000 per year in direct costs for a maximum of two years. The number of awards is contingent on available NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications received. No cost-sharing is required. Projects must be feasible within a short time frame and with limited resources. Applications must comply with NIH Grants Policy and undergo scientific peer review based on significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and investigator qualifications. The program welcomes applications from a wide range of eligible entities, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, government entities, small businesses, and foreign organizations. Applications must be submitted electronically through NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions. The earliest submission date is January 16, 2025, with standard NIH R03 due dates recurring every February 16, June 16, and October 16 through January 8, 2028. These dates correspond to specific review and award cycles, with the earliest possible start dates occurring approximately 10 months after submission. Applicants should refer to the NIH application guide for complete instructions and ensure conformance with all formatting and content requirements. For more information, scientific inquiries should be directed to the NICHD Referral Office at NICHDReferral@mail.nih.gov. Questions about the peer review process can be addressed to Dr. Joanna Kubler-Kielb at kielbj@mail.nih.gov or 301-435-6916. Financial inquiries should be directed to Margaret Young at margaret.young@nih.gov or 301-642-4552.