Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 – Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions seeking to build clinical trial infrastructure and conduct innovative studies on women, children, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity and institutional support. Applicants must have access to populations relevant to the research focus areas. Domestic institutions are prioritized, though international collaboration may be permitted.
The grant supports exploratory (UG3) and transition (UH3) phases of research networks. Activities include infrastructure development, pilot studies, and preparation for larger clinical trials. Research must address underrepresented populations or evidence gaps in these priority groups.
Institutional review board approval and compliance with human subjects protections are required before funding begins.
This grant is for research institutions seeking to build clinical trial infrastructure and conduct innovative studies on women, children, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity and institutional support. Applicants must have access to populations relevant to the research focus areas. Domestic institutions are prioritized, though international collaboration may be permitted.
The grant supports exploratory (UG3) and transition (UH3) phases of research networks. Activities include infrastructure development, pilot studies, and preparation for larger clinical trials. Research must address underrepresented populations or evidence gaps in these priority groups.
Institutional review board approval and compliance with human subjects protections are required before funding begins.
Program description
The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to leverage NICHD clinical research Network infrastructure relevant to infants, children, women, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities to conduct innovative, multisite, investigator-initiated clinical trials and observational studies. This NOFO will utilize a bi-phasic (UG3/UH3), milestone-driven mechanism consisting of a start-up phase (UG3) and a full enrollment and clinical trial implementation phase (UH3). Applications submitted in response to this NOFO must address specific aims and milestones for both the UG3 and UH3 phases. A UG3 project (phase I) that meets its milestones will be administratively considered by NICHD and prioritized for transition to the UH3 award (phase II). This NOFO provides an opportunity to leverage NICHD clinical research Network infrastructure as a platform for investigator-initiated innovative hypotheses by any investigator in the extramural community. Applications must be submitted as investigator-initiated, multi-Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) grant applications in conjunction with the respective NICHD-supported Network Data Coordinating Center (DCC), or equivalent as determined by the NICHD.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for research institutions seeking to build clinical trial infrastructure and conduct innovative studies on women, children, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, research institutes, and other organizations with research capacity and institutional support. Applicants must have access to populations relevant to the research focus areas. Domestic institutions are prioritized, though international collaboration may be permitted.
The grant supports exploratory (UG3) and transition (UH3) phases of research networks. Activities include infrastructure development, pilot studies, and preparation for larger clinical trials. Research must address underrepresented populations or evidence gaps in these priority groups.
Institutional review board approval and compliance with human subjects protections are required before funding begins.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative and Specific Aims
- Research Plan (significance, innovation, approach)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
- Letters of Institutional Support
- IRB Documentation or Human Subjects Protection Plan
- Recruitment and Retention Plans (for clinical trials)
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.865 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,059,454,555
-
$719,372,575
-
$276,059,721
-
$155,556,396
-
$155,482,198
-
$103,665,364
-
$74,151,078
-
$71,490,911
-
$52,238,426
-
$47,450,377
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $1,059.5M
- NC 7 awards $921.5M
- MD 4 awards $493.9M
- MA 3 awards $190.0M
- PA 3 awards $145.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.865). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,282,226,682 | |
| 2025 | $1,333,391,690 | |
| 2026 est. | $184,920,723 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Research-intensive institutions including universities, medical centers, and nonprofit research organizations. Institutions must demonstrate research infrastructure and institutional commitment to supporting the project.
What activities are supported by this grant?
Building clinical trial networks, conducting pilot research, developing protocols, and establishing partnerships. Clinical trials are optional but supported under the UH3 phase.
When is the application deadline?
The current deadline is November 15, 2027. Check NIH's grants.gov portal for additional submission deadlines in future years.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. NIH grants typically fund 10-20% of applications. Strong preliminary data and experienced research teams improve competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
UG3 awards typically provide $100,000-$300,000 annually for 2 years. UH3 awards may provide higher funding for clinical trial phases.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify your target population and explain why the clinical trial network is needed for that group.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through letters of support and resource allocation.
- Show preliminary data supporting feasibility of your research approach or population recruitment.
- Build partnerships with community organizations and patient advocacy groups serving your focus populations.
- Address diversity, equity, and inclusion explicitly in your recruitment and retention strategies.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional support or unclear research infrastructure for conducting clinical research. Vague recruitment plans or insufficient evidence of access to target populations. Underdeveloped pilot data or unclear transition pathway to larger clinical trials.
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