The NIOSH Small Research Grant Program (R03), administered by the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), supports research projects designed to advance knowledge in occupational safety and health. This program focuses on projects that can be carried out with limited resources, including pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, and development of methodologies or new technologies. The primary aim is to identify and mitigate risks associated with occupational diseases and injuries and to translate significant findings into practical interventions that reduce workplace hazards.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and others as detailed in the program guidelines. Applications from foreign institutions or involving foreign collaborators are not eligible. Applicants must register with required federal systems, such as Grants.gov and eRA Commons, to submit their proposals.

The program offers funding of up to $50,000 per year in direct costs, with a total of $100,000 available over a two-year performance period. Approximately 5 to 10 awards are anticipated annually, contingent on the availability of funds and the merit of submitted applications. Projects must be discrete, well-defined, and capable of being completed within the two-year timeframe.

Proposals are evaluated based on their alignment with NIOSH’s strategic goals as outlined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Applicants must address the burden, need, and impact (BNI) of the occupational hazards their research seeks to address and link their planned activities to measurable outputs and anticipated outcomes. The program encourages innovative approaches and cross-sector collaborations to enhance the practical application of research findings.

Applications must be submitted electronically and adhere to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Required elements include a project narrative, a budget justification, and a data management plan (DMP). Submissions must also demonstrate compliance with relevant policies, including those concerning data sharing, civil rights, and human and animal subject protections.

Awardees are required to submit annual performance progress reports, financial reports, and a final project report upon completion. Reports must include a summary of research progress, outputs such as publications or tools developed, and the broader impact of the research on occupational safety and health. Awardees must also address ongoing updates to outputs and outcomes for a period of five years post-award to demonstrate the longer-term impacts of their work.