Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
Last verified by NonDilute: 2026-06-08. Official notice and agency instructions control.
If you study the human/ethical/legal side of genomics—not the biology—NIH will fund your focused research project up to $50k with minimal institutional overhead.
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What this is
This NIH R03 grant mechanism funds small research projects examining the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of genetics and genomics—not the science itself, but its implications. Ideal for normative, conceptual, legal, economic, philosophical, anthropological, or historical analysis of emerging genomic issues. Awards up to $50,000 with application deadlines through November 2026. Encourages stakeholder involvement and supports both primary data collection and secondary analysis.
Who can apply
Broad eligibility including solo researchers, nonprofits (501c3 and non-501c3), small businesses, tribal organizations, academic institutions, and government entities. No geographic restrictions stated; NIH funding typically open to U.S.-based applicants and institutions.
Eligible applicant types
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- City or township governments
- Small businesses
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Special district governments
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
- Independent school districts
- State governments
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Private institutions of higher education
- County governments
Full description — from the agency
The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to invite Small Research Grant (R21) applications that propose to study the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetics and genomics. Applications may propose studies using either single or mixed methods. Direct involvement of key stakeholders where appropriate is encouraged. These applications should be for small research projects, such as those that involve single investigators. Of particular interest are projects that propose normative or conceptual analyses, including focused legal, economic, philosophical, anthropological, or historical analyses of new or emerging issues. This mechanism can also be used for the collection of preliminary data and the secondary analysis of existing data.
Topics: elsi research · genomics ethics · health law · bioethics funding · social implications · genetics policy
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.