Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
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.
The Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant is designed for researchers and institutions seeking to explore the complex ethical, legal, and social dimensions of human genetics and genomics. This grant supports small-scale research projects, making it ideal for single investigators and focused research teams who want to investigate emerging issues in genomics policy and practice. Funded projects can include normative analyses, conceptual frameworks, legal studies, economic analyses, philosophical inquiries, anthropological research, and historical examinations of genomics-related challenges. The program also welcomes applications focused on preliminary data collection and secondary analysis of existing datasets. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, faith-based and community-based organizations, and eligible federal agencies. Researchers addressing critical questions about the societal impact of genetic advances should consider applying to advance understanding in this vital interdisciplinary field.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 16, 2026
Award Amount
Up to $50K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $50K
Deadline
2026-11-16
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Single investigators and small research teams at eligible institutions studying ethics, law, and social aspects of genomics
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, and Indian/Native American Tribal Governments. For a complete list of eligible institution types and specific eligibility requirements, please visit the official funding opportunity announcement on the NIH website.
How much funding does Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
This grant program provides funding up to $50,000. The exact amount available may vary by funding cycle. Check the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific details about the current cycle's funding levels.
How do I apply for Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through the official NIH grants submission process. Visit the NIH ELSI Research Grant page or the relevant funding agency's website for detailed application instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines. The next deadline is November 16, 2026.
What can Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports research on ethical, legal, and social implications of human genetics and genomics. This includes normative and conceptual analyses, legal analyses, economic studies, philosophical inquiries, anthropological research, and historical analyses of emerging genomics issues. Projects may also collect preliminary data or conduct secondary analysis of existing datasets. Direct stakeholder involvement is encouraged.
Last updated: July 5, 2026