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

Research Focus

This program supports small-scale clinical trials that combine basic research with prospective human studies. The NICHD seeks applications proposing basic science experimental studies involving humans—defined as prospective studies that experimentally manipulate independent variables and assess biomedical or behavioral outcomes to understand fundamental phenomena, without specific application toward health interventions or products. Research must align with NICHD's mission in human development: contraception, fertilization, pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal and postnatal development, childhood development through adolescence, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and rehabilitation medicine. Studies must meet both the NIH definition of a clinical trial (prospective assignment of human participants to conditions) and the definition of basic research (systematic study directed toward greater knowledge of fundamental aspects without specific applications in mind). Appropriate project types include pilot and feasibility studies, secondary analysis of existing data, small self-contained research projects, development of research methodology, and development of new research technology.

At a Glance

• Who can apply: Higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state/local governments, tribal governments, foreign organizations, and other entities. Applicant organizations must register with SAM and eRA Commons before submission.
• Funding & project length: Up to $50,000 direct costs per year, maximum 2-year project period.
• Award mechanism: R03 Small Grant (grant funding instrument).
• Key dates: Open January 16, 2025; rolling due dates (next: February 16, 2025); earliest start December 2025. Expiration January 8, 2028.
• Best fit for: Researchers in developmental science, reproductive health, pediatrics, disability research, and rehabilitation medicine proposing mechanistic human studies that experimentally manipulate conditions to test fundamental biological or behavioral principles.