Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
This upcoming NIH/FDA grant will fund small research projects by new investigators on high-priority topics in tobacco regulatory science to inform FDA regulation of tobacco products.
Funder: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Due Dates: November 18, 2025 | July 14, 2026 (5:00 PM local time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 direct costs per year, max 2 years; total program funding up to $500,000 in FY2026; up to 4 awards anticipated.
Summary: Supports new investigators in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research relevant to tobacco regulatory science, with projects designed to inform FDA regulation of tobacco products.
Key Information: Only new investigators who have not previously received NIH R01 or FDA CTP R03/R21/R00 awards are eligible.
Description
This opportunity supports new investigators in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences who are in the early stages of establishing independent careers in tobacco regulatory research. The program uses the R03 grant mechanism, intended for small research projects that can be completed in a short period of time with limited resources.
The goal is to generate scientific evidence that informs the implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), which gives the FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) regulatory authority over tobacco product manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. Research must address one or more high-priority topics defined by the FDA CTP and be directly relevant to informing FDA regulation of tobacco products to protect public health.
Projects may include:
- Pilot and feasibility studies
- Secondary analysis of existing data
- Small, self-contained research projects
- Development of research methodology
- Development of new research technology
Research must be responsive to the high-priority research topics listed in the NOFO, which include addiction, behavior, health effects, product composition/design, and toxicity as they relate to specific tobacco products (e.g., ENDS, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products). Only studies directly aligned with these topics will be considered responsive.
