NIDCR Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Supporting new investigators in oral, dental, and craniofacial research through pilot studies for future larger grants.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | September 7, 2025 (AIDS) | October 16, 2025 (New) | November 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | January 7, 2026 (AIDS) | Additional standard NIH dates through January 2028
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 direct costs per year, max $200,000 direct costs over 2 years; project period up to 2 years.
Summary: Supports new investigators in oral, dental, and craniofacial research with pilot or feasibility studies to generate preliminary data for future R01 or equivalent applications.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; only new investigators (no prior R01/R21/R56 or >2 NIDCR R03s) are eligible; minimum 2.4 person months/year effort required.
Description
This opportunity from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is designed to support new investigators who are establishing independent research careers in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The program funds pilot or feasibility studies and developmental research projects, with the goal of generating sufficient preliminary data to support a subsequent, competitive R01 or R01-equivalent application. The R03 mechanism is not intended to sustain a research career but to provide a foundation for future success in obtaining larger, long-term NIH funding.
Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding opportunity. Projects may include basic, behavioral, population, or clinical research, provided they do not meet the NIH definition of a clinical trial.
