FUNDING OPPORTUNITY · 2026–2027
Big Data
Small Grants Award
Turn existing data into new health research.
Up to $10,000
Direct costs per project
18 months
Project period
November 2, 2026
Application deadline
Make more of existing data
The Big Data Small Grants Award (BDSG) supports investigators conducting health research using existing large structured or unstructured datasets. Projects should be feasible within the award period and align with applicable NIH research priorities and guidelines.
Awardees will have 18 months to conduct their analysis and advance the work toward external funding proposals, peer-reviewed publications, policy papers, or other dissemination products. Projects may address health concerns affecting Puerto Rico and/or U.S. mainland populations.
Who can apply?
- Faculty members at academic and/or research institutions in Puerto Rico affiliated with the Alliance.
- Investigators with the scientific background and expertise to complete the proposed research within 18 months.
- Project Leads proposing work that uses a large secondary dataset to accomplish the study aims.
The opportunity is also open to new and early-stage investigators and investigators entering a new field. Multiple Project Leads and cross-institutional collaborations may be proposed. Collaboration among Alliance institutions is highly encouraged.
What can the award support?
- Data access fees
- Computer equipment and software for data analysis
- Consultant fees, excluding international personnel
- Training in big data management and analysis
- Domestic conference travel to present findings
- Manuscript publication costs
Timing conditions apply to some purchases and training activities. Consult the complete call for details.
Application requirements
Applications must include a signed PHS 398 face page, project summary, Specific Aims, NIH-style Research Strategy, detailed budget and justification, NIH-formatted biosketch and supporting documents, and an 18-month research timetable. Additional plans, regulatory documentation, training certifications, and letters of support apply as described in the complete checklist.
Consult the complete call for proposal format, page limits, and applicable documentation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Important dates
| Call for 2026–2027 | October 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Submission deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Evaluation process | November 3–23, 2026 |
| BDSG Review Committee evaluation | December 8–11, 2026 |
| Earliest start date | January 11, 2027 |
Key restrictions and responsibilities
- Postdoctoral scholars and individuals in non-independent positions may not serve as Project Lead.
- Projects may not overlap with currently funded work. Restrictions apply to simultaneous Project Lead support from IDeA parent awards, subject to program exceptions.
- Foreign institutions/components and graduate student or postdoctoral stipends are not permitted. Specific fee-for-service exceptions are described in the complete call.
- Continued funding depends on satisfactory progress and adherence to the approved timeline and program guidelines.
- Project Leads must present one or two abstracts at scientific meetings, present results at the Alliance Scientific Day, and attend requested Alliance meetings. Submission of at least one peer-reviewed publication is encouraged.
Projects must comply with applicable regulatory requirements and Alliance program policies outlined in the complete call.
Application details
Review the complete call and checklist before submitting your proposal.
Inquiries
Supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number 2P50GM133807, and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities und the award number S21MD001830.
