NIH Encourages Pre-Application Consultations for Tobacco Regulatory Science Grant

NIH Guide Weekly Index

Published February 27th, 2026

Detected March 7th, 2026

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a notice encouraging applicants for the Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program (RFA-OD-25-008) to request pre-application consultations. This aims to ensure proposed research aligns with FDA Center for Tobacco Products' regulatory authorities and priorities. Applicants are asked to submit draft Specific Aims by May 14, 2026.

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What changed

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a Notice of Information (NOT-OD-26-045) strongly encouraging prospective applicants for the "Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" (RFA-OD-25-008) to engage in pre-application consultations. These consultations are designed to help applicants determine if their proposed research aims fall within the regulatory authority of the FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) and align with identified high-priority research topics, thereby increasing the likelihood of their applications being considered responsive and not withdrawn prior to peer review.

While this notice does not impose new regulatory requirements, it provides a critical opportunity for potential grantees to receive guidance and ensure their research proposals are well-aligned with funding priorities. To facilitate timely consultations, applicants are advised to submit a draft of their Specific Aims page to the Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP) by May 14, 2026. This proactive step is recommended to maximize the chances of a successful application and to ensure research efforts are directed towards areas of regulatory significance.

What to do next

Submit draft Specific Aims page by May 14, 2026, to request a pre-application consultation.
Ensure proposed research aligns with FDA CTP regulatory authority and high-priority research topics for RFA-OD-25-008.

Source document (simplified)

Notice of Information Encouraging Submission of Pre-Application Consultation Information for RFA-OD-25-008, "Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" Notice Number: NOT-OD-26-045

Key Dates

Release Date: February 27, 2026

Related Announcements

June 24, 2025 - Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional). See NOFO RFA-OD-25-008.

Issued by

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

Purpose

This Notice of Information strongly encourages applicants to request a Pre-Application Consultation to discuss the responsiveness of their proposed research to RFA-OD-25-008, Tobacco Regulatory Science Small Grant Program for New Investigators (R03 Clinical Trial Optional), Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products' (CTP) regulatory authorities.

To be considered responsive to this NOFO, applications must propose research aims that fall within (1) FDA CTPs regulatory authority and (2) one or more of the High-Priority Research Topics identified in RFA-OD-25-008. Applications that do not meet these criteria will be withdrawn prior to peer review. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in a Pre-Application Consultation to determine responsiveness before submitting an application.

To ensure timely consultation, applicants are asked to submit a draft Specific Aims page to TRSP ([email protected]) no later than May 14, 2026.