Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in AD/ADRD Research (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research (R03 Clinical Trial Optional), issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports early-stage and established researchers new to the AD/ADRD field. The reissued opportunity, PA-25-246, encourages innovative, interdisciplinary pilot studies to enhance understanding and address challenges in AD/ADRD prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. This initiative specifically responds to a known shortage of researchers in the field, particularly those with diverse and integrative expertise as outlined under Milestone 4.J of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA). The funding aims to support short-term research projects that can generate preliminary data, which may be necessary for pursuing larger NIH awards. The program offers up to $100,000 in direct costs per year for a maximum of two years, without requiring matching funds. Projects may range across basic, translational, clinical, and social science disciplines. Example topics include genetic and environmental interactions, health disparities, exposomics, systems biology, non-pharmacological interventions, and the economic impact of dementia. Clinical trials are permitted but limited to small-scale or mechanistic studies due to budget and time constraints. Eligibility is open to a wide variety of applicants including domestic and foreign academic institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profit organizations, governments at all levels, and tribal entities. The program explicitly excludes individuals who have previously received major NIH awards in the AD/ADRD domain. Applicants should not have served as PD/PI on NIH grants such as R01, R37, RF1, or similar. At least half of the awards are expected to go to early-stage investigators (ESIs), with each PI eligible for only one award through this program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult NIA program staff to confirm eligibility and discuss clinical trial feasibility if applicable. Applications may be submitted via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system platforms. Required registrations include SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applications must conform strictly to the NIH Application Guide and are due on NIH standard submission dates: February 16, June 16, and October 16 of each year through the final expiration date of March 17, 2026. The earliest submission date is January 16, 2025. Review and award timelines follow the NIH review cycle, with the earliest start date for awards ranging from December 2025 to July 2026 depending on submission cycle. Applications are reviewed based on significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and institutional resources. Additional considerations include protections for human subjects, biohazards, and data sharing plans. Successful applicants will be expected to use NIA’s Clinical Research Operations Management System (CROMS) and follow NIH guidelines on data sharing, ethics, and cybersecurity compliance. Professional development through affiliated research centers or relevant societies is encouraged during the project period. Inquiries about the grant should be directed to Dr. Luci Roberts (roberlu@mail.nih.gov), Dr. Delany Torres (delany.torressalazar@nih.gov), or Dr. Marcel Salive (marcel.salive@nih.gov) for scientific and research-related questions. Financial questions may be addressed to Kathleen Moy at kathleen.moy@nih.gov or 301-827-2856. Technical support during submission is available via the eRA Service Desk and Grants.gov Help Center. This funding opportunity reflects NIH’s strategic commitment to expanding the AD/ADRD research workforce and advancing science that addresses critical public health challenges.