Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-04-29. Official notice and agency instructions control.
Quick funding ($150K max) to pilot your brain imaging approach in addiction research without the heavy lift of an R01.
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What this is
This R03 Small Research Grant from NIH's National Institute on Drug Abuse (CFDA 93.279) targets investigators new to neuroimaging or established researchers adopting imaging tools for addiction-related research. Projects should be proof-of-concept in nature, completable within a short timeframe with modest budgets, and relevant to substance use disorders. The program explicitly encourages newly independent investigators and those transitioning into brain imaging methodologies. A clinical trial option is available for eligible applicants.
Who can apply
Broad eligibility including universities, nonprofits (501c3 and non-501c3), small businesses, for-profit companies, government agencies, tribal organizations, and independent school districts. Solo researchers must be affiliated with an eligible institution; independent individuals cannot apply directly.
Eligible applicant types
- County governments
- Small businesses
- Private institutions of higher education
- State governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- City or township governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Special district governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Independent school districts
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Full description — from the agency
This Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO) is designed to encourage and facilitate the entry of investigators to the area of brain imaging research. This NOFO will support both newly independent investigators and established investigators who are seeking to develop and adopt neuroimaging tools and methodologies in their research programs and conduct small "proof-of-concept" studies relevant to substance use disorders and addiction. This NOFO is intended to support Small Research Grant (R03) projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources.
Topics: brain imaging neuroimaging · substance use disorders addiction · proof-of-concept research · R03 small research grant · newly independent investigators · imaging methodology development
Public-source funding discovery only. This summary is generated from public agency data and may be incomplete or stale. NonDilute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government agency. Official notices and agency instructions control. NonDilute does not determine eligibility, provide grant-writing advice, or guarantee funding.