National Biomedical Research Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for established research institutions and academic medical centers seeking to develop or expand biomedical research centers.
Eligible applicants typically include universities, medical schools, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) research institutions. Applicants must demonstrate institutional commitment to the research focus and adequate research infrastructure.
The P50 mechanism supports multidisciplinary research teams working on significant health problems. Projects may incorporate clinical trials as an optional component.
Centers must show ability to conduct sustained, high-quality research across multiple projects.
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Key dates
- May 12, 2026 Applications open
- Jan 25, 2027 Application deadline in 142 days
- Dec 1, 2027 Award announced
- Dec 10, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Biomedical Research Centers (NBRCs) are expected to provide scientific expertise, advanced equipment, infrastructure, and a range of well-characterized research models to researchers across the nation. Research at the NBRCs is supported by almost all NIH Institutes, as well as other federal agencies, including those that safeguard US national security interests. This NOFO emphasizes development of innovative human-based models and new technologies to reduce reliance on live research models. Applications must describe clear, actionable plans to reduce, refine, and replace whole-animal use by developing complementary and alternative approaches tailored to relevant use cases in biomedical research. Scientifically, the NBRCs function as centers of innovation in fundamental science as well as translational hubs that develop, refine, and test novel interventions for ultimate use in human patients. It is NIH’s intention that the NBRCs become leaders in the development and use of human-based approaches, including sophisticated in vitro and in silico models, known as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Clinical trials are allowed only as human-based NAMs, where applicable. This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is an open competition to increase opportunities for innovation, including NAMs research, at research centers with existing nonhuman primate colonies, and to further leverage existing capabilities in basic and translational research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 (R&R) Subaward Budget Attachment
- Research Plan/Project Narrative
- Biographical Sketches (NIH Form Page 5)
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Budget Justification
- Research Strategy
- Facilities and Resources Description
- Other Support Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Division of Comparative Medicine, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs
- 📧 ORIPDCM@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-451-2074
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.351 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$203,025,735
-
$201,841,608
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$191,271,017
-
$167,023,331
-
$150,172,413
-
$143,135,086
-
$129,717,894
-
$41,295,933
-
$37,946,246
-
$33,594,411
Top States by Funding
- OR 7 awards $291.7M
- CA 9 awards $270.4M
- WA 2 awards $234.1M
- TX 9 awards $231.6M
- LA 6 awards $201.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.351). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $279,889,905 | |
| 2025 | $284,089,258 | |
| 2026 est. | $283,084,958 |
FAQ
Who can apply for a P50 grant?
Universities, medical schools, hospitals, and nonprofit research institutions with strong research infrastructure typically qualify. Applicants must have institutional support and administrative capacity.
Can my organization apply if we're small?
P50 grants are designed for established research centers with multiple projects and experienced leadership. Smaller organizations should consider building partnerships with larger institutions.
What is the typical funding range?
P50 grants typically provide significant multi-year funding for comprehensive research centers. Annual awards vary based on the research focus and scope.
How competitive is this grant?
P50 grants are highly competitive. Successful applications demonstrate innovative research, experienced leadership, and strong institutional support.
Can we include a clinical trial?
Yes. Clinical trials are optional but can strengthen applications if they directly support the center's research mission.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish a strong interdisciplinary team with senior leadership and complementary expertise before applying.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through letters of support and dedicated resources.
- Clearly define the research center's focus and show how multiple projects address a significant health problem.
- Detail your research infrastructure, facilities, and support services for the center.
- Use preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility and the research team's capacity to deliver results.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak institutional commitment or inadequate research infrastructure for a sustained center. Unclear connection between multiple research projects or lack of compelling rationale for the center structure. Insufficient preliminary data demonstrating the team's ability to conduct high-quality research.
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