Small Research Grant Program for Next Generation AD/ADRD Researchers (R03)

NOTE: This funding opportunity expired March 17, 2026. Limited case-by-case submissions may be accepted; contact the eRA Service Desk for guidance.

Research Focus

This R03 Small Research Grant Program supports early-stage and established researchers new to Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) research. The program aims to generate pilot data and preliminary findings that will enable investigators to compete for larger independent awards (R01, R37, etc.). Research priorities span basic science, clinical, translational, prevention, and treatment domains—including systemic and non-neuronal mechanisms (microbiome, cardiovascular, immune, metabolic pathways), sensory and motor system biology, behavioral and social epidemiology, health disparities, exposomics, systems biology approaches with omics data integration, and early-stage clinical trials. The program explicitly welcomes researchers from other health fields bringing novel approaches to AD/ADRD, as well as clinical investigators pursuing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or management topics within their specialties.

At-a-Glance

• Who can apply: Early-stage investigators (ESIs) and established researchers who have not received major NIH awards (DP1, DP2, R01, R37, RF1, U01, R35, or PI/PD roles on Centers/Program Projects) in AD/ADRD; each PI eligible for one award.
• Funding & project length: Not stated; R03 mechanism typically supports $50,000–$150,000 total costs over 2 years (standard NIH R03 parameters).
• Award mechanism: R03 Small Grant Program (clinical trial optional).
• Key dates: Applications due February 16, June 16, October 16, 2025, or February 16, 2026 (5:00 PM local time); earliest start dates December 2025–December 2026.
• Best fit for: Neuroscience, gerontology, epidemiology, behavioral/social science, and clinical researchers generating pilot data in AD/ADRD prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or mechanistic understanding; at least half of awards targeted to ESIs.