Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)
About
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.
The Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3) grant is designed for investigators across the extramural research community who want to conduct innovative clinical trials and observational studies focusing on vulnerable and underrepresented populations. This National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) funding opportunity enables researchers to leverage existing NICHD clinical research Network infrastructure to test novel hypotheses and advance scientific knowledge in maternal health, pediatric research, and disability-related studies. The grant operates on a bi-phasic mechanism: a startup phase (UG3) followed by a full implementation phase (UH3), allowing researchers to de-risk their projects through milestone-driven evaluation. Researchers should apply if they have investigator-initiated ideas that address critical gaps in clinical research for women, pregnant and lactating individuals, children, and persons with disabilities. This is particularly valuable for those seeking to utilize established research networks rather than building infrastructure from scratch. The program welcomes applications from diverse institutional types, including HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, faith-based organizations, and tribal entities, making it accessible to researchers across different academic settings nationwide.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
November 15, 2027
Award Amount
Up to $6.3M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $6.3M
Deadline
2027-11-15
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual - Deadline November 15, 2027
Best For
Researchers conducting clinical trials and observational studies on women, children, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities; HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal entities, and community-based organizations
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 Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligible applicants include any investigator in the extramural community with an innovative research hypothesis. Specific eligible applicant categories include 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, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 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. For complete eligibility details, visit the official NIH/NICHD website.
How much funding does Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
Funding ranges up to $6,250,000 for this grant program. The actual award amount may vary depending on the specific project, scope of research, and funding cycle. For the most current information on funding amounts and budget parameters, consult the official NIH funding opportunity announcement.
How do I apply for Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications must be submitted as investigator-initiated, multi-PD/PI grant applications in collaboration with an NICHD-supported Network Data Coordinating Center (DCC) or equivalent entity as determined by NICHD. The application process follows NIH guidelines and requires addressing specific aims and milestones for both the UG3 (startup) and UH3 (full implementation) phases. Visit the official NIH grants portal and NICHD website for detailed application instructions, required forms, and the specific deadline of November 15, 2027.
What can Leveraging Network Infrastructure to Conduct Innovative Research for Women, Children, Pregnant and Lactating Women, and Persons with Disabilities (UG3/UH3 - Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?
Funding supports innovative, multisite, investigator-initiated clinical trials and observational studies focused on infants, children, women, pregnant and lactating women, and persons with disabilities. The bi-phasic mechanism allows researchers to conduct a startup phase (UG3) to develop and test feasibility, then transition to a full enrollment and implementation phase (UH3). Funding leverages existing NICHD clinical research Network infrastructure, enabling researchers to conduct hypothesis-driven research without building infrastructure independently. Clinical trials are optional under this mechanism.
Last updated: July 5, 2026