George M. O’Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers Program (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and medical centers studying urologic diseases. Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, and nonprofit research organizations with urology research capacity. The program supports cooperative research centers focused on translating urologic discoveries into clinical applications. Applicants must demonstrate institutional commitment, research expertise in urology, and ability to conduct or support clinical trials.
Institutions must have established research infrastructure. Strong preliminary data in urologic research is expected. Collaborative partnerships between institutions strengthen competitiveness. This is a federally funded research program requiring compliance with NIH standards.
Key dates
- Sep 10, 2025 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2026 Application deadline in 16 days
- Jan 1, 2027 Award announced
- Feb 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
This concept seeks support for continuation of the NIDDK George M. O’Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers (U54). The Urology Cooperative Research Centers foster impactful, multi-disciplinary research through diverse collaborations within and outside the Centers and serve as a national resource for the urology research community.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Federal application form
- Project Narrative (research strategy and clinical relevance)
- Detailed budget and budget justification (5-year plan)
- Institutional biosketches (senior researchers and key personnel)
- Letters of institutional support and commitment
- Research environment and facilities description
- Clinical trial protocol (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Deepak Nihalani
- 📧 deepak.nihalani@nih.gov
- 📞 301.594.6417
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.847 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$152,979,352
-
$112,529,392
-
$66,521,567
-
$45,186,589
-
$37,867,943
-
$37,490,770
-
$34,242,949
-
$31,624,784
-
$31,124,496
-
$31,065,476
Top States by Funding
- FL 2 awards $184.1M
- MA 6 awards $165.7M
- PA 6 awards $165.0M
- NY 4 awards $143.8M
- MD 2 awards $143.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.847). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,971,472,000 | |
| 2025 | $2,043,166,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $111,289,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, medical centers, nonprofit research institutions, and research hospitals with urology research programs. Applicants need institutional research capacity and NIH registration.
What activities does this program fund?
Cooperative urology research centers, translational research, clinical trials, and related research infrastructure. Funding supports multi-year research programs with potential clinical applications.
Is this a single award or cooperative effort?
This is a cooperative research center program. Multiple institutions often collaborate, though single-institution research centers may apply.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. NIH research grants typically fund 8-15% of applications. Strong preliminary data and established research teams are essential.
What is the typical funding level?
Cooperative research center grants typically range from $250,000 to $500,000 annually over 5 years. Clinical trial components may affect funding amounts.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong research team with established urology expertise and track record of publications and grants.
- Include preliminary data demonstrating feasibility of your proposed research or clinical trial.
- Detail how your institution's resources and infrastructure support the research center mission.
- Emphasize collaboration between research and clinical programs for translational impact.
- Submit letters of institutional commitment and support from leadership and partner institutions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the need for preliminary data. Weak evidence of institutional commitment or research infrastructure. Unclear connection between research goals and clinical urologic problems.
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