Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is a forthcoming funding opportunity administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). This grant initiative is part of the broader Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP), which supports scientific research aimed at informing FDA regulatory actions under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA), Public Law 111-31. The objective is to provide additional high-priority research that expands the scientific foundation for tobacco product regulation to protect public health. This grant opportunity focuses on supporting small-scale research projects conducted by new investigators. These projects must align with one or more high-priority research topics related to the regulatory authority of the FDA CTP. The research aims to fill specific knowledge gaps, enhancing FDA's decision-making and policy implementation concerning tobacco products. While a significant body of research already exists, the NIH and FDA seek to address emerging questions and strengthen the evidence base supporting tobacco regulation. The funding will be disbursed as R03 small grants, which are ideal for discrete, well-defined research projects that can be completed within a limited timeframe and budget. Clinical trials are optional under this opportunity. The grants are intended to foster the development of new research collaborations and initiatives that are responsive to the high-priority topics designated in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The forecasted number of awards is four, and the estimated total program funding is $500,000. There are no requirements for cost-sharing or matching contributions. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, including public housing authorities, educational institutions, nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and for-profit entities including small businesses. This broad eligibility is intended to encourage diverse participation in tobacco regulatory science. The forecasted schedule indicates the NOFO will be published on October 6, 2025, with applications due by January 6, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by July 6, 2026, with projects beginning on the same date. Interested applicants should begin forming partnerships and preparing responsive project proposals in advance of the official NOFO release. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact Erik Rodriquez, Ph.D., at the Tobacco Regulatory Science Program, Office of Disease Prevention, via email at TRSP@nih.gov or by phone at 301-827-2830.

The forecast encourages early collaboration development and alignment with high-priority FDA tobacco regulatory topics to ensure responsiveness.