The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced its intent to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for dissertation grants (R36). This initiative aims to support doctoral candidates conducting research in maternal and child health using data from the ECHO Program’s large, de-identified longitudinal dataset. This funding opportunity is designed to advance understanding of the effects of early environmental exposures on child health outcomes and foster the development of promising new investigators in the field.

The primary purpose of this NOFO is to encourage doctoral candidates to utilize the ECHO Cohort data, housed in the NICHD Data and Specimen Hub (DASH), for their dissertation research. The dataset includes information from over 63,000 maternal and child participants across the U.S., covering a wide range of prenatal and childhood environmental exposures. It focuses on five primary pediatric outcome areas: pre-, peri-, and postnatal outcomes; neurodevelopment; obesity; airway health; and positive health. The funding will enable students to analyze these data, contributing to high-priority areas of maternal and child health research.

Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations, such as public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, Native American tribal entities, independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and public or Indian housing authorities. Doctoral candidates must apply through an eligible organization. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women are strongly encouraged to apply, aligning with NIH’s commitment to diversity.

The NOFO is expected to be published on December 20, 2024, with applications due by March 17, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be announced by October 6, 2025, and projects are expected to begin on the same date. Interested applicants are advised to begin early preparation, including developing collaborations and identifying relevant areas within the ECHO dataset for analysis.

Evaluation criteria will likely include the significance of the research question, the feasibility of the project, and the potential for the candidate to contribute to the field of early environmental exposures and child health. Strong applications will demonstrate a clear alignment with ECHO’s objectives and articulate the value of the research to advancing knowledge in maternal and child health. Detailed instructions and submission requirements will be included in the official NOFO.

The total estimated program funding is $180,000, with a maximum award ceiling of $45,000 per grant. Up to four awards are anticipated. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required, allowing applicants to focus fully on their research proposals.

This opportunity offers doctoral candidates a platform to engage with a rich dataset and contribute to significant advancements in child health research. Potential applicants should monitor Grants.gov and related NIH announcements for updates and detailed guidance as the application period approaches.