The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), has announced a funding opportunity for Small Research Grants (R03) to support analysis of existing genomic data related to dental, oral, or craniofacial (DOC) biology and diseases. This initiative aims to address key biomedical questions by leveraging existing genomic, phenotypic, and complementary data using advanced statistical, computational, and machine learning approaches. Projects that focus on oral health disparities, biological pathways to identify intervention targets, or the pathogenicity of genetic variants are particularly encouraged. Applicants are also required to validate their findings through experimental or in silico methods.

Funding is limited to a maximum of $200,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with no more than $100,000 allowed annually. Only applications that do not involve clinical trials will be accepted. The program supports new applications and resubmissions, and data analysis is expected to utilize publicly available datasets, with strong justification needed for any data that is not shared publicly.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, for-profit organizations, tribal and local governments, and foreign organizations. Individuals with the necessary skills and resources to carry out the proposed research are encouraged to apply. All organizations must have active registrations in SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov before applying. Registration processes, particularly for foreign organizations, can take up to six weeks, so early initiation is advised.

Applications must include a detailed research strategy that aligns with DOC health research goals, justifies dataset selection, and outlines a robust validation plan. The proposal must also address data integration and quality issues. A data management and sharing plan is required, ensuring that research findings and datasets are accessible to the public.

Applications will be reviewed based on their significance, innovation, approach, and the expertise of the research team. Projects must demonstrate scientific rigor, feasibility, and the potential to advance knowledge in DOC biology. The review will also consider the project’s alignment with NIH's priorities, including equity and inclusion in scientific research.

Deadlines for application submission are February 16, June 16, and October 16 annually, beginning in 2025, with additional deadlines for resubmissions and AIDS-related applications. Results of peer reviews will be shared through the NIH’s eRA Commons. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award, and funds will be administered according to NIH policies. Final reporting requirements include a performance progress report, invention statement, and financial report.

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the NIH program, peer review, or grants management officials for guidance during the application process. More information on registration, submission, and post-award requirements is available on NIH’s grants webpage and the relevant sections of the NIH Grants Policy Statement.