Research to Advance the Understanding and Management of the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 18 095

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 095

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity PAR 18 095, titled "Research to Advance the Understanding and Management of the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)," supports small, targeted research projects that can move the field forward on pediatric multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). MODS is a serious and often life-threatening condition in which multiple organ systems fail during critical illness, and it remains a major driver of morbidity and mortality in children. The central goal of this opportunity is to deepen scientific and clinical understanding of MODS in children so researchers can identify better ways to prevent it, recognize it earlier, and treat it more effectively. NIH is explicitly signaling that, despite how common and devastating MODS can be in pediatric care, the evidence base is still limited and there is a strong need for diverse types of studies that clarify mechanisms, risk factors, trajectories, and management strategies.

This opportunity uses the NIH R03 mechanism, which is designed for exploratory or developmental projects that are smaller in scale than an R01. In practice, that means the program is well-suited for pilot studies, feasibility work, early-stage hypothesis testing, preliminary data generation, method development, or focused analyses that can quickly answer a defined question and set up a stronger future application. NIH also indicates that the work funded here is intended to inform subsequent R01 proposals, which makes the program particularly relevant for teams that have a promising idea but need initial data, proof-of-concept results, or refined approaches before attempting a larger multi-year grant. The notice "Clinical Trial Optional" means applicants may propose clinical trials if appropriate, but they are not required to do so; non-trial studies such as observational research, translational studies, data-driven analyses, or foundational biological investigations can also fit the intent as long as they clearly advance pediatric MODS understanding or management.

From a funding details standpoint, this is a discretionary grant program under the Health, Income Security and Social Services activity category, listed under CFDA 93.865. The award ceiling in the provided source data is $50,000, indicating that NIH is emphasizing modest-budget projects with clearly defined deliverables rather than large, resource-intensive studies. The original closing date listed is 2019-05-07, and the opportunity record shows a creation date of 2017-11-06. While those dates suggest this particular posting may be historical, the program description still provides a clear picture of NIH priorities around pediatric MODS research: generating actionable knowledge that can translate into better clinical outcomes, including both prevention and treatment.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The opportunity also highlights additional eligible categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). Taken together, this signals an intent to encourage participation from a wide range of research environments, including institutions that serve underrepresented populations and organizations positioned to study MODS across diverse pediatric settings.

Overall, the opportunity is essentially a call for focused, high-impact early-stage research that clarifies what drives pediatric MODS, how it can be predicted or detected, and what interventions or management strategies might improve outcomes. The emphasis is on filling gaps in knowledge that currently limit prevention and treatment, producing results that can be scaled into larger, more definitive studies, and ultimately helping clinicians reduce the burden of MODS for critically ill children.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research to Advance the Understanding and Management of the Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in Children (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 18 095

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