The "Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" is a reissued Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically aligned with the missions of multiple participating Institutes and Centers, including the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and others. This grant opportunity invites small, self-contained research proposals aimed at exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetic and genomic research. Emphasizing both normative and conceptual analysis, the initiative supports legal, economic, philosophical, and sociocultural research as well as empirical methods including qualitative and quantitative analysis. The NOFO seeks to promote responsible advancement of genomic science by critically examining societal, legal, and ethical considerations.

The grant encourages applications that address emerging issues in genomic science such as data ownership, data sharing, community involvement, and the equitable translation of genomic advancements. Investigators may use this opportunity to conduct applied research, preliminary studies, or secondary data analyses. The NIH particularly encourages applications that include variables from the PhenX Toolkit and involve community or stakeholder engagement, although it is not a requirement.

Funding for this R03 small grant mechanism is limited to $50,000 in direct costs per year, with a maximum project duration of two years. While clinical trials are optional, the funding is aimed at smaller projects that can be realistically completed within the two-year timeframe. Researchers planning more exploratory or extensive projects are encouraged to consider related opportunities under the ELSI R21 or R01 funding mechanisms.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit businesses (including small businesses), local and state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and foreign organizations. Applications must align with the missions of the participating NIH components. Required registrations include SAM, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, and, for foreign entities, NCAGE codes. A detailed Data Management and Sharing Plan is required, along with a Resource Sharing Plan.

Applications are accepted through standard NIH submission systems like ASSIST and Grants.gov Workspace, with key deadlines occurring three times per year—February, June, and October. The earliest submission date for this reissued NOFO is January 17, 2025. The NOFO will remain active until November 17, 2026. Applications will be reviewed for scientific merit, feasibility, and potential impact in accordance with NIH peer review standards.

Evaluation criteria focus on the significance and innovation of the proposed research, its feasibility and rigor, and the expertise and resources of the investigators. Additional considerations include ethical protections, inclusivity of human subjects, and adherence to data sharing and management policies. Applicants are encouraged to consult scientific/research contacts at participating Institutes before submitting.