Collaborative Awards to Support Microphysiological System Pilot Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Research
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations conducting early-stage microphysiological system (MPS) studies related to Type 2 Diabetes. Eligible recipients include universities, research institutes, nonprofits, and small businesses with NIH-compatible status. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct collaborative research using organ-on-a-chip or similar MPS technology. Geographic scope covers U.S. institutions receiving federal funding. The grant supports pilot studies aimed at validating MPS models for diabetes research applications.
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Key dates
- Sep 26, 2025 Applications open
- Jul 5, 2026 Application deadline
- Jan 1, 2027 Award announced
- Feb 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on microphysiological systems (MPSs) to model type 2 diabetes. Advances in biomaterials, microfluidics, and tissue engineering have resulted in MPSs that allow for greater control of three-dimensional cell cultures containing multiple cell types and constituting more physiological tissue organization. The utility of these systems lends themselves to powerful in vitro modeling of metabolic tissue crosstalk, study of basic mechanisms of human type 2 diabetes, and the testing of prevention and treatment strategies. MPSs are especially useful for investigating the heterogeneity of human T2D biology and clinical responses. The current initiative will support small pilot studies to conceptualize aspects of T2D biology for modeling with MPSs, to support feasibility studies, and to generate preliminary data. 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. Collaborative investigations combining expertise in bioengineering, type 2 diabetes biology, and human metabolism will be encouraged and these investigators should begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) Federal Grant Application
- Project Narrative (typically 6-12 pages depending on FOA)
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (NIH Form 5)
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Collaboration Agreement or Letter of Intent from Partner Institutions
- IRB/ACUC Approval Documentation (if applicable)
- Research Strategy Section
- Facilities and Other Resources
Program contact
- 👤 Albert J. Hwa, PhD
- 📧 albert.hwa@nih.gov
- 📞 301-451-1525
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
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$440,444,754
-
$200,221,259
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$181,279,494
-
$112,529,392
-
$82,457,560
-
$48,585,892
-
$45,186,589
-
$37,997,540
-
$34,242,949
-
$32,783,433
Top States by Funding
- WA 4 awards $515.6M
- NC 4 awards $293.3M
- FL 2 awards $212.4M
- NY 5 awards $184.3M
- PA 6 awards $176.9M
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, research institutions, nonprofits, and small businesses with valid federal recognition. Applicants must have institutional infrastructure for biomedical research.
What type of research does this grant support?
Pilot studies using microphysiological systems to study Type 2 Diabetes mechanisms. Early-stage validation of MPS models is a priority.
Is this a single-investigator or collaborative grant?
Collaborative awards are emphasized. Teams with complementary expertise in diabetes research and MPS technology perform best.
What is the typical funding range?
NIH pilot grants typically range from $150,000 to $300,000 annually. Exact amounts vary by institute and mechanism.
When is the application due?
Application opens September 26, 2025. Check NIH Grants.gov for specific submission deadlines in your funding cycle.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish clear collaboration between diabetes researchers and MPS technology experts before writing.
- Use preliminary data showing feasibility of your MPS approach for your specific diabetes research question.
- Align your research aims with current NIH diabetes research priorities and strategic plans.
- Budget realistically for MPS technology costs, specialized equipment, and validation studies.
- Address how your pilot study will generate preliminary data for a larger future grant application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lacking genuine collaboration between diabetes experts and MPS specialists. Underestimating costs or timeline for MPS model validation and optimization. Proposing overly ambitious aims without sufficient preliminary data to support feasibility.
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