Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 18 081

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 081

The Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity designed to help investigators break into neuroimaging research or transition an existing research program into neuroimaging methods. The core purpose is to lower the barrier to entry for researchers who may have strong scientific questions but need targeted support to build neuroimaging capability, generate preliminary data, or test feasibility before pursuing larger, longer-term awards. This includes both early-stage or new investigators and established investigators who are new to neuroimaging and want to incorporate imaging tools into their work.

This FOA uses the Small Research Grant (R03) mechanism, which is specifically meant for short, focused projects that can be completed relatively quickly and with limited resources. In practice, that means the program is well-suited for small "proof of concept" studies, pilot data collection, feasibility testing, method development, or preliminary validation work that demonstrates a neuroimaging approach can answer an important biomedical or behavioral question. The "clinical trial optional" designation signals that applicants may propose a study that includes a clinical trial component if it fits the project goals, but a clinical trial is not required.

Key administrative details from the source include the funding opportunity number PAR-18-081 and an original closing date of September 7, 2018. The listed award ceiling is $150,000, reflecting the small-grant nature of the R03 mechanism. The activity falls under NIH health and education-related research funding categories, with CFDA numbers 93.279 and 93.286, which correspond to NIH programs that commonly support neuroscience and mental health-related research areas (the exact institute and portfolio alignment is typically clarified in the full FOA text and the applicant's chosen NIH Institute/Center assignment).

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive, spanning many organization types that can contribute to neuroimaging innovation and workforce development. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility reflects a deliberate emphasis on expanding access to neuroimaging research capacity across diverse institutional settings and communities.

Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a bridge-building grant: it is not meant to fund large-scale, definitive neuroimaging programs, but rather to help investigators get started, demonstrate feasibility, and develop the early evidence needed to compete for more substantial NIH funding later. Projects that are sharply defined, achievable within a short timeframe, and clearly justify why neuroimaging is central to the question being tested are the types of proposals this R03 transition-focused mechanism is built to support.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Imaging - Science Track Award for Research Transition (I/START) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.279, 93.286.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-17.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $150,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 18 081

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