Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies for Acute Cerebroprotection – Network Sites and Coordinating Center (U01- CT Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic medical centers and research institutions conducting translational stroke research. Only U.S. nonprofit organizations, public universities, and hospitals with strong research infrastructure can apply. The program funds network sites and coordinating centers focused on preclinical assessment of acute cerebroprotective therapies for stroke. Applications from Clinical Trial (CT) projects are not allowed. Geographic scope is nationwide.
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Key dates
- Sep 2, 2025 Applications open
- Mar 18, 2026 Application deadline
- Dec 1, 2026 Award announced
- Dec 3, 2026 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the Coordinating Center and Testing Sites of the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN), a preclinical network to support translational studies for cerebroprotection in experimental models of acute ischemic stroke. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize Cooperative Agreements (U01). Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of multi-center translational studies for acute cerebroprotection in experimental models of acute ischemic stroke are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this NOFO. SPAN 3.0 will be a collaborative network for the preclinical testing of stroke treatments comprised of up to 6 peer-reviewed data collection sites that emphasize rigor with built-in replication and a Coordinating Center (CC) that will oversee administration, coordination, and data sharing of the network.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Specific Aims
- Research Strategy
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Biographical Sketches
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Timeline
Program contact
- 👤 Francesca Bosetti
- 📧 frances@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-1297
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$56,144,651
-
$40,959,789
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$35,655,349
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$35,655,116
-
$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
-
$32,294,153
-
$32,234,840
-
$31,739,294
-
$27,282,286
Top States by Funding
- MA 5 awards $123.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- CA 4 awards $101.3M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MI 3 awards $85.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Public universities, nonprofit hospitals, research institutions, and medical centers with NIH research experience. Clinical Trial projects are explicitly not eligible.
What activities does this funding support?
Translational stroke research, preclinical assessment of cerebroprotective treatments, and network coordination activities. Institutions serve as network sites or coordinating centers.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. U01 grants are prestigious NIH awards requiring strong preliminary data, experienced research teams, and institutional support.
What is the typical funding range?
NIH U01 awards vary widely based on scope. Budget should reflect multi-year network operations and research activities.
When is the deadline?
Check NIH.gov for current funding opportunity announcements. Most NIH grants have established annual or rolling deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong preliminary research foundation before applying. NIH reviewers expect published data supporting your approach.
- Partner with other institutions to strengthen your network proposal. Multi-site collaborations increase competitiveness.
- Clearly define roles for network sites and the coordinating center. Ambiguous responsibilities weaken applications.
- Address feasibility of patient recruitment and retention across sites. Reviewers closely examine enrollment plans.
- Secure institutional commitment and cost-sharing. Strong letters of support from senior leadership matter significantly.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating coordination complexity. Network grants require detailed project management plans. Weak preliminary data on cerebroprotective mechanisms. Reviewers expect solid foundational science before funding translational work. Unrealistic timelines for multi-site recruitment and assessment.
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