Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists' Transition to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is offering the GEMSSTAR grant (R03) to support early‑career clinician‑scientists—physicians, surgeons, and dentists—who wish to transition their research focus to aging or geriatric topics. Applicants must propose transdisciplinary aging research that generates pilot data for future larger projects and include a Professional Development Plan that demonstrates a supportive research environment. The award ceiling is $125,000 per grant, with a typical project period of up to two years. The program is open to U.S. entities (non‑U.S. organizations are ineligible) and encourages collaboration across NIH institutes. No pre‑bid meeting or site visit is required. Applications are accepted through the eRA Commons system, with the deadline of July 16, 2028. • Target audience: early‑career medical, surgical, or dental clinicians seeking to launch aging‑focused research. • Funding mechanism: NIH R03 Small Grant (up to $125 k, ≤2 years). • Eligibility: U.S. institutions, nonprofits, state/local governments, small businesses, etc.; foreign entities not eligible. • Key dates: Open Sep 16 2026, Deadline Jul 16 2028, Estimated award Dec 16 2026. • Required components: research proposal, pilot data plan, Professional Development Plan, Data Management & Sharing Plan. • Contact: Laura Major, DrPH ([email protected]).