Clinical Trials and Ancillary Studies Conducted within NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Research Networks (UG3/UH3 – Clinical Trial Required)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research teams seeking to conduct clinical trials within established NIH-funded Clinical Trial Research Networks. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, research universities, hospitals, medical centers, and academic institutions. The grant is designed to support innovative clinical trial research that leverages existing research networks. Activities supported include trial design, participant recruitment, data collection, and ancillary studies that enhance trial outcomes. Institutions must have institutional review board (IRB) approval and demonstrated infrastructure to conduct human subjects research.
Key dates
- Mar 16, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 10, 2026 Application deadline in 162 days
- Apr 13, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 13, 2027 Project start
This grant is for research teams seeking to conduct clinical trials within established NIH-funded Clinical Trial Research Networks. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, research universities, hospitals, medical centers, and academic institutions. The grant is designed to support innovative clinical trial research that leverages existing research networks. Activities supported include trial design, participant recruitment, data collection, and ancillary studies that enhance trial outcomes. Institutions must have institutional review board (IRB) approval and demonstrated infrastructure to conduct human subjects research.
Program description
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), in conjunction with additional Institutes/Centers (ICs)at the National Institutes of Health seek to support projects proposing Clinical Trials and Ancillary Studies that are conducted within NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Research Networks.
The program will encourage applications for multi-center clinical trials to be conducted within an established Clinical Trial Research Network funded by one of multiple NIH Institutes and Centers. Following peer review, the IC will prioritize studies to be conducted within the established network infrastructure with cooperative oversight by the administering IC. The program will use the bi-phasic, milestone driven UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement activity code. Awards will initially support an up to 2- year milestone-driven planning and start-up phase, with possible transition to an implementation (UH3) phase of up to 5 additional years.
Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. For additional information, potential applicants are encouraged to contact program staff listed below.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for research teams seeking to conduct clinical trials within established NIH-funded Clinical Trial Research Networks. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, research universities, hospitals, medical centers, and academic institutions. The grant is designed to support innovative clinical trial research that leverages existing research networks. Activities supported include trial design, participant recruitment, data collection, and ancillary studies that enhance trial outcomes. Institutions must have institutional review board (IRB) approval and demonstrated infrastructure to conduct human subjects research.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative (specific aims and research design)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketch(es)
- Facilities and Resources
- Human Subjects Protection documentation
- Letters of Support from Clinical Trial Research Network
- Data Management Plan
Program contact
- 👤 NINDS Division of Clinical Research (DCR)
- 📧 networkclinicaltrials@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$82,511,281
-
$67,362,785
-
$62,646,087
-
$56,144,651
-
$45,268,737
-
$40,959,789
-
$35,655,349
-
$35,655,116
-
$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
Top States by Funding
- MA 6 awards $186.5M
- CA 4 awards $129.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MN 2 awards $99.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
501(c)(3) nonprofits, research universities, hospitals, and academic medical centers can apply. Applicants must be able to conduct research with human subjects and have IRB approval capability.
What is the UG3/UH3 structure?
The UG3 phase funds planning and design activities. The UH3 phase supports full trial implementation. Successful UG3 applicants may transition to UH3 funding.
What types of trials are supported?
This program supports clinical trials that test health interventions. Trials must be embedded within established NIH-funded Clinical Trial Research Networks.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. Reviewers assess scientific merit, trial design, feasibility, and alignment with network priorities. Strong preliminary data significantly improves competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
UG3 grants typically fund planning phases. UH3 awards support larger, multi-year trials. Contact NIH program staff for specific funding levels for your research area.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Partner early with your designated Clinical Trial Research Network to ensure alignment with network priorities and existing infrastructure.
- Develop a detailed trial design with clear inclusion/exclusion criteria, primary endpoints, and sample size justification before submission.
- Demonstrate feasibility by showing access to adequate participant populations and experienced research personnel.
- Build a strong preliminary data section that supports the intervention approach and trial methodology.
- Contact the NIH program officer before applying to discuss fit and clarify expectations for your specific research area.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting trials misaligned with network priorities or lacking network collaboration. Weak trial design with unclear endpoints or insufficient sample size justification. Underestimating recruitment challenges or participant burden without mitigation strategies.
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