D-START: Data Science Track Award for Research Transition (D/START) (R03-Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers seeking to transition into data science-focused research. Eligible applicants include doctorate-degree holders in relevant fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, public health, or biomedical engineering. The award supports researchers establishing independence in data science applications.
U.S. institutions and foreign institutions collaborating with U.S. partners may apply. Researchers must demonstrate a commitment to building a data-intensive research program. Prior extensive research experience is not required, but evidence of research potential is necessary.
This award funds salary, equipment, and direct research costs. Activities include developing data science research capacity and conducting preliminary data science-driven studies. Clinical trial components are optional and customizable to research goals.
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Program description
Data science is an important cross-cutting research approach in the 2022 – 2026 NIDA Strategic Plan and increasing the capacity of experts in addiction related data science is critical. The purpose of this Notice is to facilitate the entry of investigators to the area of addiction-related data science, including newly independent data scientists or established investigators seeking to incorporate novel and cutting-edge data science methodologies into their research programs for the first time. Through this opportunity, investigators will propose to apply emerging data science methods to answer critical questions requiring advanced data analytic strategies. Projects should be small in scale and answer specific research questions or provide preliminary data for a larger scale project. Applicants are encouraged to use existing datasets, follow FAIR principles, and, when applicable, attend to ethical concerns in the conduct of research involving human subjects. Ultimately, the aim is to expedite the development of robust research programs focused on the convergence of innovative data science techniques and addiction research, with initial projects serving as precursors for subsequent, more expansive research projects.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (PI and key personnel)
- Institutional Support Letter
- Letters of Support or Commitment (mentor, collaborators)
- Appendix materials (preliminary data, figures, letters)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.279 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$204,359,786
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$99,478,296
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,351,755
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,578,651
-
$50,952,037
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- WA 1 awards $204.4M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 4 awards $141.1M
- MD 2 awards $128.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.279). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,245,503,136 | |
| 2025 | $1,343,517,098 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,194,375 |
FAQ
Who can apply for D-START?
Doctorate-degree holders (MD, PhD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent) early in their career seeking to transition into data science research. You must demonstrate research potential and institutional support.
What is the typical funding level?
This is an R03 award, which typically provides modest funding for exploratory or pilot research. Exact amounts vary but are generally lower than R01 awards.
Can I include a clinical trial?
Yes, clinical trial components are optional. You can structure your proposal with or without a clinical trial component based on your research goals.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong applications show a clear data science focus, realistic preliminary findings, institutional mentorship, and a feasible research plan for the budget period.
When should I start preparing?
Applications open in December and are due in September. Begin planning 2-3 months before the deadline to allow time for institutional review and revision.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your transition into data science research. Show how data science is central to your research goals, not peripheral.
- Provide preliminary data or evidence of research potential. Even small pilot studies or feasibility work strengthens competitiveness.
- Secure a mentor or co-mentor with data science expertise. Institutional support and guidance significantly improve chances of funding.
- Keep your research plan realistic for the budget period. R03 awards are modest; scope your aims accordingly.
- Address the specific scientific questions your data science approach will answer. Avoid data science methods that seem disconnected from your research problem.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants propose data science methods disconnected from clear research questions. Focus on solving a specific problem, not just applying trendy computational techniques.
Weak or missing preliminary data weakens competitiveness. R03 awards expect some evidence of feasibility, even if limited.
Insufficient mentorship or institutional support structures fail to convince reviewers of researcher capacity to succeed. Clearly articulate your mentoring plan.
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