Opportunities for Collaborative Research with the NIH Intramural Research Program (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers seeking to collaborate with NIH intramural investigators on translational research projects. Eligible applicants include extramural research institutions, universities, and nonprofit organizations with qualified principal investigators. Applicants must partner with active NIH intramural researchers to conduct collaborative science that bridges basic and clinical investigation. The program prioritizes projects addressing important disease processes or yielding new therapeutics, diagnostics, or prevention strategies aligned with participating NIH Institute priorities.
Geographic scope is national; researchers from any U.S. institution may apply. International collaborators may participate but the lead applicant must be U.S.-based. Clinical trial components are optional but supported if scientifically justified.
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Key dates
- Jul 16, 2026 Applications open
- Feb 5, 2027 Application deadline in 203 days
- Dec 1, 2027 Award announced
- Dec 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The goal of this program is to support collaborative translational research projects aligned with NIH efforts to enhance the translation of basic biological discoveries into clinical applications that improve health. It encourages high quality science demonstrating the potential to result in understanding an important disease process or lead to new therapeutic interventions, diagnostics, or prevention strategies within the research interests and priorities of the participating NIH Institutes/Centers (ICs). Specifically, the program seeks to broaden and strengthen translational research collaborations between basic and clinical researchers both within and outside NIH to accelerate and enhance translational science by promoting partnerships between NIH intramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research within the labs and clinics of the NIH) and extramural investigators (e.g., those conducting research in labs outside the NIH), and by providing support for extramural investigators to take advantage of the unique research opportunities available at the NIH by conducting clinical research projects in collaboration with NIH intramural investigators.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- NIH R&R application form (SF-424 R&R)
- Project narrative and specific aims
- Detailed budget and budget justification
- NIH intramural collaborator's commitment letter
- Institutional support documentation
- Biosketch(es) for key personnel
- Letters of support from all collaborating institutions
- Facilities and equipment documentation
Program contact
- 👤 U01 Program
- 📧 NIHIRPPartnerships@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-4121
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.313 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$5,096,612
-
$2,994,561
-
$2,736,581
-
$2,735,186
-
$2,417,324
-
$1,332,345
-
$1,108,110
Top States by Funding
- TX 1 awards $5.1M
- GA 1 awards $3.0M
- NC 1 awards $2.7M
- MD 1 awards $2.7M
- MI 1 awards $2.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Extramural researchers at universities, medical centers, and nonprofit research institutions are eligible. Your institution must have a NIH intramural collaborator identified before submission.
What type of research does this program support?
Translational research that bridges basic science and clinical applications. Projects must address disease mechanisms, develop new therapies, diagnostics, or prevention strategies aligned with NIH Institute priorities.
Is a Letter of Intent required?
Check the specific funding announcement, as LOI requirements vary by NIH program. Many NIH U01 mechanisms recommend or require LOIs prior to full application submission.
How competitive is this program?
Very competitive. Applications are evaluated on scientific quality, feasibility of the collaboration, innovation, and alignment with NIH priorities. Strong preliminary data significantly strengthens competitiveness.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards vary by IC and project scope. Budget requests should be justified by the proposed work. Overhead costs are allowable through your institution's F&A rate agreement.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Identify your NIH intramural collaborator early and ensure they are committed. Their participation and track record directly influence review scores.
- Clearly articulate how the collaboration leverages unique NIH resources and capabilities unavailable elsewhere.
- Demonstrate strong preliminary data showing feasibility and scientific rigor. Reviewers expect evidence of productive preliminary work.
- Align your project with the research priorities and mission of the sponsoring NIH Institute or Center.
- Use the collaborative grants format to show complementary expertise. Highlight how intramural and extramural teams create synergy beyond either partner alone.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to engage the NIH intramural partner early or submitting without demonstrated commitment from them. Proposing research that doesn't require NIH's unique resources or could be done independently. Submitting weak preliminary data that raises doubts about project feasibility.
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