The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has reissued its Small Grant Program for New Investigators under the R03 activity code. This funding opportunity aims to support early-career researchers in oral, dental, and craniofacial fields by providing resources to conduct pilot or feasibility studies. These studies are intended to generate preliminary data for future competitive Research Project Grant (R01) applications. The grant does not support clinical trials. Investigators seeking funding for clinical trials should explore other mechanisms, such as the UG3/UH3 program.

This funding opportunity is limited to individuals classified as New Investigators, defined as those who have not previously received substantial independent funding (e.g., R01 or equivalent). Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, for-profit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and foreign institutions. Investigators must ensure their proposed research aligns with the NIDCR's strategic mission to advance dental, oral, and craniofacial health. Priority will be given to projects that outline a clear path to subsequent R01 funding and demonstrate alignment with the NIDCR's goals.

The grant offers a budget of up to $200,000 in direct costs over a maximum project period of two years, with no more than $100,000 per year. Applicants must adhere to strict submission guidelines detailed in the NIH SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Submissions must include a detailed research plan, future research objectives, and a Data Management and Sharing Plan. Institutions are encouraged to provide letters of support describing the investigator's independence, available resources, and commitment to the project.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or institutional system-to-system solutions. Registrations in several systems, including DUNS, SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, are required before submission. Key deadlines, including standard application dates and AIDS-specific deadlines, apply. Investigators are advised to submit early to address any submission issues.

The review process includes peer assessment of scientific merit, alignment with NIDCR priorities, and feasibility within the R03 scope. Scored criteria include significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and research environment. Applications will also be evaluated on their potential to establish a foundation for future R01 funding. Non-compliant applications may be delayed or excluded from review.

Applicants must ensure that their projects are free of ethical or compliance concerns and meet NIH standards for research involving human or animal subjects. Successful applications will receive a Notice of Award, which serves as the formal authorization to begin work. Awardees must comply with NIH policies, including those related to civil rights, accessibility, and data sharing. Further details on this program are available on the NIDCR website.