Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program: Genome Characterization Centers (UM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and organizations seeking to conduct genomic research on somatic mutations in human tissues. Eligible applicants typically include NIH-recognized institutions, universities, medical centers, and research organizations with relevant expertise in genomics, sequencing, and functional analysis. Projects must investigate somatic mutations in healthy and disease-affected tissue samples, supporting the SMaHT Network's mission. Applicants must have access to appropriate tissue samples and technical infrastructure for multi-omic analysis.
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Key dates
- Sep 14, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2027 Application deadline in 253 days
- May 1, 2028 Award announced
- May 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The purpose of the Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Network is to advance the discovery of biological processes and disease mechanisms mediated by somatic mutations in human tissues. Since 2023, the program has generated multi-omic somatic mutation datasets from a standardized set of human tissues spanning all three germ layers. Building on the Stage 1 foundation, the NIH intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeking support for Stage 2 of the SMaHT Genome Characterization Centers (GCCs) initiative.
The SMaHT Stage 2 GCCs will determine the functional consequences of somatic mutations in healthy and clinically relevant tissue samples, the latter comprising patients whose phenotype is suspected to be driven by somatic mutations. This work will support the SMaHT Network’s efforts to characterize somatic mosaicism and its role in human biology and disease.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- SF-424 (R&R) Subaward Budget Attachment
- Project Narrative (Research Plan)
- Specific Aims
- Research Strategy
- Facilities and Equipment
- Letters of Support/Commitment
- Budget Justification
- Biosketch (for key personnel)
Program contact
- 👤 SMaHT Program
- 📧 smaht@od.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.310 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$383,462,829
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$198,364,987
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$190,396,050
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$179,737,926
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$169,422,678
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$148,383,140
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$143,679,156
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$115,739,255
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$108,778,286
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$90,799,903
Top States by Funding
- NC 4 awards $446.4M
- WA 1 awards $383.5M
- MD 2 awards $317.8M
- NY 3 awards $207.3M
- CA 1 awards $198.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.310). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,174,839,078 | |
| 2025 | $1,062,277,534 | |
| 2026 est. | $28,100,048 |
FAQ
Who can apply for a Genome Characterization Center award?
Research institutions, universities, and medical centers with NIH recognition and genomic research capacity. Applicants need expertise in sequencing, bioinformatics, and tissue analysis.
What is the deadline for applications?
The fixed deadline is July 1, 2027. Applications must be submitted before 5 PM ET on that date.
What types of research activities are supported?
Functional studies of somatic mutations in healthy tissues and patient samples. Work includes sequencing, multi-omic analysis, and characterizing mutation consequences.
How competitive are these awards?
These are cooperative agreements for major research initiatives. Competition is typically high; applications need strong preliminary data and institutional support.
Are there budget limits for this grant?
Award amounts vary by center scope and are determined through NIH review. Budgets should be justified by proposed research scope and team needs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Review the full NOFO and SMaHT Stage 1 publications to understand program expectations and data standards. Alignment with existing protocols strengthens applications.
- Assemble a multidisciplinary team with expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, pathology, and clinical phenotyping. Strong team credentials are essential for cooperative agreements.
- Develop clear aims for determining functional consequences of somatic mutations in your proposed tissue types. Specify tissue acquisition plans and sample sizes.
- Include detailed data management and sharing plans. NIH expects participation in the SMaHT data repository and open science practices.
- Demonstrate institutional support through letters of commitment. Secure resource commitments for sequencing infrastructure and personnel for the project duration.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Unclear specification of tissue types or insufficient sample acquisition strategy leads to rejection. Lack of clear functional characterization plans—vague "exploratory" approaches weaken competitiveness. Missing institutional commitment letters or unrealistic timelines for multidisciplinary research reduce fundability.
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