Limited Competition: Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions conducting research on hazardous substance exposure, health effects, and remediation strategies related to Superfund sites. Eligible applicants include academic research institutions, medical schools, and nonprofit research organizations with strong environmental health research capabilities. The program supports training of researchers and professionals in hazardous substance research and occupational/environmental health. Geographic scope is nationwide; awards support both basic and applied research on substances found at contaminated sites.
Geographic preference may exist for regions with active Superfund sites. Applicants must demonstrate institutional commitment and research infrastructure. Clinical trial components are optional but applications incorporating human subjects research must meet all NIH human subjects protections requirements.
Key dates
- May 19, 2026 Applications open
- May 1, 2027 Award announced
- May 1, 2027 Project start
- Sep 25, 2028 Application deadline in 835 days
Program description
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is announcing the continuation of the Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program, referred to as Superfund Research Program (SRP) Centers. SRP Center grants will support problem-based, solution-oriented research Centers that consist of multiple, integrated projects representing both the biomedical and environmental science and engineering disciplines; as well as cores tasked with administrative (which includes Center leadership, data management, and training); translational research and engagement; and research support functions. The scope of the SRP Centers is taken directly from the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, which limits competition for this program to accredited institutes of higher education.Please see Section III. Eligibility 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
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Federal Application Form
- Project Narrative with Research Plan
- Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel (NIH Format)
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Research Strategy including Specific Aims and Methods
- Training Plan (required component)
- IRB Approval or Protocol (if human subjects involved)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 NOFO.Information@niehs.nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.143 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$51,240,024
-
$49,457,978
-
$45,744,612
-
$44,099,726
-
$43,756,790
-
$39,103,929
-
$38,585,087
-
$37,985,511
-
$34,167,376
-
$33,366,179
Top States by Funding
- CA 12 awards $132.7M
- NY 8 awards $77.7M
- NC 7 awards $74.8M
- MA 6 awards $66.0M
- KY 5 awards $53.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.143). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $48,775,723 | |
| 2025 | $49,475,723 | |
| 2026 est. | $289,467 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Academic institutions, medical schools, and nonprofit research organizations are eligible. Your institution must have capacity for environmental health research and researcher training.
What types of research does this program fund?
Research on hazardous substance exposure, health effects, remediation, and occupational/environmental health. Training of new researchers in these fields is a required component.
Is a clinical trial required?
No, clinical trials are optional. However, if you include human subjects research, you must have IRB approval and follow all NIH protocols.
What is the typical funding level for this grant?
This is typically a multi-year award. Specific amounts vary, but expect mid-range research funding levels for established programs.
When is the next deadline?
Application opens June 9, 2025. Check NIH Grants.gov portal for the specific submission deadline and any limited competition restrictions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your institutional expertise in hazardous substance research and environmental health sciences clearly upfront.
- Include letters of commitment from your institution showing dedicated research space and administrative support.
- Detail the training component separately; explain how you'll develop the next generation of environmental health researchers.
- If including human subjects research, have your IRB protocol ready or nearly ready before submission.
- Demonstrate connections to actual Superfund sites or contaminated communities; real-world relevance strengthens applications.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional commitment or unclear training plans for new researchers. Lack of specific focus on hazardous substances or Superfund-relevant health issues. Insufficient detail on how research findings will be disseminated to communities and environmental health practitioners.
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