Limited Competition: High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs in Clinical and Translational Science (Clinical Trials Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and universities pursuing high-impact clinical and translational science projects. Applicants must have institutional capacity for clinical research and access to patient populations or clinical data. Domestic institutions and NIH-eligible organizations can apply. Projects may include clinical trials or alternative clinical/translational research approaches.
Applicants need established infrastructure for conducting rigorous research. Limited competition mechanisms restrict eligibility to institutions meeting specific criteria. International collaborations are allowed when domestic institutions lead the application.
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Key dates
- Mar 9, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 28, 2026 Application deadline in 61 days
- Jul 15, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 15, 2027 Project start
Program description
The purpose of the High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs (SIPs) is to support the development and demonstration of unique hub capabilities, research platforms and/or resources to address in a timely manner critical gap areas and/or roadblocks in clinical and translational science at awarded Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program Hubs. Successful programs supported through this funding opportunity are expected to lay a strong foundation for future adoption and/or dissemination of capabilities to additional CTSA Program Hubs.
Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
This is a Forecast for a Limited Competition that will invite application(s) from eligible organization(s) to apply. Please see Eligibility Section for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered for funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (NIH form)
- Project Narrative / Research Plan
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Support Letter
- Letters of Collaboration (if applicable)
- Preliminary Data / Appendices
Program contact
- 👤 CTSA Program Branch, Division of Clinical Innovation
- 📧 RC2NOFO@nih.gov
- 📞 301-827-2017
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.350 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$139,753,636
-
$118,592,298
-
$118,098,707
-
$112,138,469
-
$102,903,347
-
$102,422,256
-
$100,095,982
-
$99,978,264
-
$98,955,036
-
$97,784,066
Top States by Funding
- CA 13 awards $662.0M
- NY 11 awards $506.1M
- MA 6 awards $321.4M
- NC 5 awards $313.7M
- OH 5 awards $167.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.350). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $595,597,945 | |
| 2025 | $626,227,752 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Research institutions, academic medical centers, and universities with established clinical research infrastructure. Domestic institutions and NIH-eligible organizations are prioritized.
What types of projects are supported?
Clinical and translational science research. Clinical trials are optional; non-trial clinical research approaches are equally eligible.
What makes this grant competitive?
Projects with innovative methodologies, clear translational pathways, and strong preliminary data perform best. Institutional support and research environment matter significantly.
Is institutional affiliation required?
Yes. Individual researchers must hold formal positions at eligible institutions. The institution must demonstrate relevant research capacity.
What is the funding range?
Typical NIH research grants range from $250K to $2M+ annually, depending on project scope and institutional budget practices.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate the innovation gap your project addresses. Explain why existing approaches are insufficient.
- Build strong preliminary data showing feasibility. Show initial findings supporting your proposed approach.
- Emphasize your team's track record in clinical and translational research. Include relevant publications and successful grants.
- Detail your clinical access and patient recruitment strategy. Specify partner institutions and participant sources.
- Address potential risks and barriers upfront with mitigation strategies. Reviewers respect honest problem-solving.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak preliminary data or unclear feasibility. Applications lacking published proof-of-concept struggle.
Vague translational pathways with unclear clinical endpoints. Reviewers need specific, measurable research outcomes.
Insufficient detail on clinical access, recruitment, or institutional support. Generic descriptions of research environment don't convince.
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