IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for biomedical research institutions in Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-eligible states and territories. Public and private nonprofit institutions are eligible, including universities, medical schools, and research organizations. NIH prioritizes strengthening research capacity in regions with historically lower NIH funding. Research must align with NIH scientific priorities in biomedical or behavioral sciences.
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Key dates
- Sep 22, 2025 Applications open
- May 18, 2027 Application deadline in 306 days
- May 1, 2028 Award announced
- May 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Institutional Development Award program develops biomedical research capacity in states that have historically received low levels of NIH funding (IDeA states). The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Notice of Funding Opportunity will support statewide networks in IDeA states made up of one or more research intensive institution and multiple primarily undergraduate institutions. INBREs build biomedical research capacity through supporting faculty research and research mentoring, student participation in research, and enhancement of institutional research infrastructure with an emphasis on developing pathways for undergraduate students in these states to move into biomedical research careers. The INBREs promote collaboration among institutions in IDeA states, create economies of scale, and develop research support capabilities at the primarily undergraduate institutions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative and Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Commitment Letters
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Facilities and Equipment Description
- Letters of Support from Collaborators
Program contact
- 👤 Jessica M. Faupel-Badger, Ph.D., MPH
- 📧 badgerje@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-480-4969
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,019,458
-
$54,912,096
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
-
$52,026,661
-
$50,897,104
-
$49,349,731
Top States by Funding
- ME 4 awards $143.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
- RI 4 awards $126.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for INBRE funding?
Public and private nonprofit research institutions in IDeA-eligible states and territories. Institutions must have a history of NIH funding below the national median.
What types of research projects are supported?
Projects in biomedical and behavioral sciences that build research infrastructure and capacity. Mentorship programs and training of early-career researchers are key components.
What is the application deadline?
Application deadlines vary by funding cycle. Check NIH's Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI) website for specific deadlines.
How much funding can institutions receive?
Awards vary by program and state. Institutions typically receive multi-year support ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
Is this competitive?
Yes, INBRE is highly competitive. Strong institutional commitment, experienced leadership, and clear research plans are essential for success.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate genuine institutional commitment through letters from senior leadership and dedicated funding matches.
- Build a team with experienced researchers who have mentored junior scientists successfully.
- Show how the grant will develop research capacity beyond the grant period.
- Include a realistic plan for recruiting and retaining early-career researchers in your state.
- Align your research priorities with current NIH strategic initiatives and funding priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional commitment or insufficient cost-sharing. Unclear research focus that doesn't align with NIH priorities. Lack of mentorship infrastructure for early-career development.
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