NIOSH Small Research Grant Program

The **NIOSH Small Research Grant Program (R03)**, administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), supports occupational safety and health research projects that require limited resources and can be completed within two years. The purpose of the R03 grant is to advance understanding of risks and conditions associated with occupational diseases and injuries, explore prevention and mitigation methods, and translate findings into effective practices and products. Projects may include pilot or feasibility studies, secondary data analysis, or the development of research methods and technology.

Research proposals must address specific occupational health burdens and demonstrate how the outputs will reduce work-related injuries and illnesses. Applicants should clearly identify the anticipated impacts of their research both during and after the project period. NIOSH emphasizes the alignment of proposals with strategic and intermediate goals outlined in its current Strategic Plan and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), which organizes research into 10 industry sectors and 7 health and safety cross-sectors. Proposals are encouraged to identify the relevant NORA sectors, prioritize research gaps, and articulate how findings will contribute to NIOSH’s Research to Practice (r2p) initiative.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, Native American tribal organizations, and regional organizations. Foreign institutions and components are not eligible. Applications may include interdisciplinary collaborations or partnerships to strengthen research capacity and ensure successful translation of findings. Each project must address occupational health disparities, workforce demographics, and changing work conditions where applicable, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.

The award provides up to $50,000 in total direct costs per year, not exceeding $100,000 in direct costs over the two-year project period. Approximately **5-10 awards** are anticipated annually, with an estimated total funding of $1 million per year. Standard due dates apply for submissions, and proposals must comply with the guidelines in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. Applications will undergo peer review based on their significance, innovation, approach, investigator expertise, and alignment with NIOSH strategic goals. Projects exceeding the funding or time limits will be deemed nonresponsive.

Proposals must include detailed information on the research burden, need, and potential impact (BNI framework), with well-defined outputs and outcomes. Outputs may include publications, tools, methods, and training materials, while intermediate outcomes focus on policy changes, technology adoption, and interventions to reduce occupational hazards. Final outcomes aim for long-term reductions in work-related injuries and illnesses. Applicants are also required to submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) to ensure data accessibility and preservation.

The application process requires registration with DUNS, SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Proposals must adhere to page limitations and format requirements, including a six-page Research Strategy. Final reports, annual performance updates, and financial reports are required for funded projects. For assistance, applicants may contact NIOSH program officials, grants management specialists, or the NIH eRA Service Desk. The program operates under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, with awards subject to HHS and CDC grant policies.