FDA Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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Description

This opportunity provides federal support for conferences, symposia, seminars, workshops, or other formal scientific meetings that are clearly aligned with the mission of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The program aims to facilitate the exchange of information and exploration of topics impacting public health within the FDA’s scope, including food safety, medical products, tobacco, and regulatory science.

Conferences may be held in-person or virtually. The FDA places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of conference planning and implementation. A diversity plan is required and will be evaluated during review.

Note: Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity.

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Due Dates

• Letter of Intent (advance permission to submit): Required at least 8 weeks before the selected application due date.
• Application Deadlines:
  • April 11, 2025
  • October 10, 2025 (final deadline; program expires after this date)
• Review Timeline: Applications are reviewed 2–3 months after submission; earliest start dates are typically July (for April deadline) and January (for October deadline).
• No late applications accepted.

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Funding Amount

• Award Amounts: Vary by FDA Center/Office:
  • Office of the Commissioner (OC), Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA): up to $50,000/year
  • Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM): up to $25,000/year
  • National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR): up to $30,000/year
  • Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER): up to $250,000/year
  • Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN): no specified cap (subject to availability of funds)
• Project Period: Typically 1 year for a single conference; up to 5 years for recurring conferences (annual or biennial).
• Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,000,000 (subject to appropriations).
• No indirect (F&A) costs allowed.

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Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
• For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
• State, county, city, or township governments
• Independent school districts
• Federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations
• Faith-based and community-based organizations
• Regional organizations

Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components are not eligible.

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Application Process

1. Advance Permission (Letter of Intent):

   • Required for all applications (new and renewal).
   • Must be submitted to the appropriate FDA Center/Office at least 8 weeks before the application deadline.
   • The letter must include conference details, alignment with FDA mission, estimated budget, and other required information (see FOA Section IV).

2. Application Submission:

   • Use the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or your institution’s S2S system.
   • Follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the FOA.
   • Attach the permission-to-submit letter and a required Diversity Plan (max 1 page).
   • Research Strategy (Conference Plan) is limited to 6 pages.
   • Provide a detailed budget and justification for each year requested.
   • Letters of support from key participants are required.

3. Review and Award:

   • Applications are reviewed for scientific/technical merit, significance, innovation, approach, environment, and the quality of the diversity plan.
   • Funding decisions are based on review score, program priorities, and availability of funds.

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Additional Information

• Allowable Costs: Conference services, consultant fees, equipment rental, publication costs, salaries for staff, speaker fees, supplies, and travel (coach class, U.S. flag carriers where possible).
• Unallowable Costs: Registration fees, indirect/F&A costs, food and beverages, equipment purchase, honoraria, entertainment, and costs for federal employees.
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: A strong diversity plan is required and will be evaluated.
• Accessibility: Conferences must be held at accessible sites and provide accommodations for participants with disabilities.
• No cost sharing required.
• Multiple applications allowed if scientifically distinct.

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External Links

• FDA Conference Grant FOA (PAR-23-072)
• FDA Home Page
• NIH Application Guide (Forms Version H)
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

For additional contacts and details, see the FOA Agency Contacts section.

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