Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of Genomic Research (R03)

Overview and Funding Opportunity

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), recognizing the profound impact of genomics on society, invites applications for Small Research Grants (R03) to explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genetic and genomic research. This opportunity is perfect for small, self-contained research projects, often involving single investigators.

This funding call prioritizes normative and conceptual analyses, including legal, economic, philosophical, anthropological, or historical perspectives on emerging genomic issues. Preliminary data collection and secondary analysis of existing data are also encouraged.

Participating Organizations and Components

This initiative is a collaborative effort across numerous NIH Institutes and Centers, including the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and many others. This broad participation underscores the importance of ELSI research across the biomedical landscape.

While all applications should align with the mission of the participating Institutes/Centers, the NIH Offices of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), Research on Women's Health (ORWH), and Data Science Strategy (ODSS) may also co-fund relevant projects.

Research Areas of Interest

The NIH encourages a wide range of research topics within the ELSI field. NHGRI, for example, prioritizes research exploring the influence of sociocultural values on genomic information, the impact of genomics on institutions and systems, the ethical design and implementation of genomic research, and the integration of genomics into healthcare.

Other institutes have specific areas of focus. NCI emphasizes the ELSI of genomics in cancer research, NIAID focuses on infectious diseases, and NICHD prioritizes issues related to children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities. These diverse interests ensure a comprehensive exploration of ELSI concerns across various health domains.

Application and Submission Information

Applications must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Research (R) Instructions within the How to Apply - Application Guide. This includes detailed instructions for research plans, budget justifications, resource sharing, data management and sharing, and human subjects research considerations. Adherence to these guidelines is crucial for a successful application.

Submissions are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on the specified due dates. Applying early is strongly advised to allow time for correcting any errors identified during the submission process.

Review Criteria

Applications will undergo rigorous review based on the importance of the research, its rigor and feasibility, and the expertise and resources of the investigators. Reviewers will assess the significance and innovation of the proposed research, the strength of the experimental design, and the potential for the project to have a sustained impact on the field.

Additional review criteria include protections for human subjects, vertebrate animals, and biohazards. For resubmissions and renewals, reviewers will consider progress made in previous funding periods. Rigorous review ensures that funded projects are of the highest scientific caliber and address critical ELSI concerns.

Data Sharing Expectations

Adhering to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy and the NIH Genomic Data Sharing Policy is mandatory. NHGRI encourages broad and responsible data sharing through public repositories, maximizing the impact of research findings. Detailed plans for data management and sharing are required in the application. Protecting participant privacy and ensuring ethical data use are paramount.