Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in AD/ADRD Research (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 23 179

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 23 179

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in AD/ADRD Research (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" under funding opportunity number PAR 23 179 (CFDA 93.866). This program uses the NIH R03 mechanism, which is designed to fund smaller, focused research projects, often used for pilot or feasibility studies, early-stage idea testing, or collecting preliminary data that can support a larger future project. The opportunity is also labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose studies that do or do not include a clinical trial component, depending on what best fits the research aims.

The purpose of this grant is to support strong, scientifically meritorious projects that generate insight and evidence to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and/or care for people affected by Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). The announcement is intentionally broad and welcomes a wide range of topics across AD/ADRD research, which can include many different scientific approaches and stages of translation, so long as the project meaningfully contributes to improving understanding or outcomes in AD/ADRD.

A central emphasis of the program is workforce and field development. The NOFO is aiming to do two things at once. First, it is meant to help cultivate the next generation of AD/ADRD researchers by encouraging early-career scientists to pursue research and academic careers in this space. Second, it is meant to bring new expertise into AD/ADRD by encouraging established researchers who have not previously received a major AD/ADRD award to run pilot studies that seed new and innovative programs. In practical terms, this means the grant is positioned as an entry point either for emerging investigators building their independence or for experienced investigators pivoting into AD/ADRD using skills, methods, and perspectives developed in other areas.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations beyond the traditional university setting. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based and community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This broad eligibility aligns with the program's goal of expanding participation and innovation across different institutional and community contexts.

Key administrative details included in the posting are that the opportunity was created on 2023-04-24 and lists an original closing date of 2026-03-16. The listing does not provide an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided source text, so applicants would typically look to the full NIH announcement for budget limits, project period guidance, and other application requirements tied to the R03 mechanism and this specific program.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in AD/ADRD Research (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-04-24.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 23 179

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