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NIH Small Research Grant Program

Science Track Award for Research Transition (START) Program

Funds a short, non-renewable pilot project that gathers the preliminary data a new investigator needs for a full substance-use research grant.

Breaking into substance-use research is hard without a track record, and the grants that would prove a hypothesis worth funding usually need preliminary data a newcomer does not have yet.

The Science Track Award for Research Transition is that first step: a small, short-term, non-renewable project meant to generate the preliminary data an investigator needs to compete for a full research grant la

Small, time-limited pilot studies gathering preliminary data across high-priority areas of substance-use research, including comorbidity with HIV, intended to help an investigator compete for a future, larger research grant. Clinical trials are optional.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.16 Mar 2029
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAS-27-028Source: www.grants.gov