Maximizing the Scientific Value of Data Generated by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: Dissertation Grant (R36 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and specifically the Office of the Director, offers the Maximizing the Scientific Value of Data Generated by the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program: Dissertation Grant (R36). This funding opportunity is designed to support doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research in high-priority areas of child health. The initiative aligns with the broader mission of NIH to advance scientific knowledge and improve health outcomes, with a particular focus on understanding how environmental exposures influence child development and health trajectories. The purpose of this grant is to provide financial support and research opportunities for predoctoral students who are at the dissertation stage of their academic training. Applicants must propose research that utilizes the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) dataset, which is accessible through the NICHD Data and Specimen Hub repository. The dataset contains longitudinal, de-identified data from more than 71,000 participants across the United States, including information on prenatal and early childhood exposures spanning physical, chemical, biological, social, and behavioral domains. The program emphasizes five primary pediatric outcome areas: pre-, peri-, and postnatal outcomes; airway health; obesity; neurodevelopment; and overall child well-being. Funding under this opportunity includes support for the NRSA predoctoral stipend level and up to 15000 dollars annually for additional research-related expenses such as health insurance, travel, and dissertation costs. However, the grant imposes strict spending limitations. Funds may not be used for tuition (except dissertation credits), equipment purchases, renovations, space rental, or research staff support. The project period must be between 12 and 24 months, and recipients are required to commit full-time effort to their dissertation research during the award period. Eligibility is limited to predoctoral students enrolled in accredited research doctoral programs in the United States, including combined degree programs such as MD/PhD. Applicants must have an approved dissertation proposal by the time of award, demonstrate strong academic performance, and show commitment to a research career in child health. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents. Organizations eligible to submit applications include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and certain government entities, although the primary beneficiary remains the individual doctoral candidate. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov using NIH-approved systems such as ASSIST or Workspace. Applicants must follow the NIH Research Application Guide and include key components such as a research plan, letters of support, and a plan for instruction in the responsible conduct of research. Applications must propose use of ECHO data; failure to do so results in withdrawal without review. Peer review evaluates applications based on significance, rigor, feasibility, and investigator potential, with additional consideration given to institutional environment and available resources. Key dates for this funding opportunity include an application open date of September 15, 2026, and a submission deadline of October 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed in early 2027, with funding decisions expected by May 2027 and the earliest project start date in June 2027. The program is not described as recurring, and applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for corrections. For inquiries, applicants may contact NIH program offices via email, including ECHO.NOFO@nih.gov and related contacts listed in the announcement.

Ensure strong alignment with ECHO data use; emphasize significance and feasibility; demonstrate readiness for independent research; strictly follow NIH application instructions