Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) (Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for establishing collaborative research centers focused on tobacco regulatory science. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and nonprofits with capacity to lead multidisciplinary tobacco research centers. Centers must include at least three discrete hypothesis-driven research projects with an integrative theme addressing FDA tobacco product regulatory authority. Research topics span addiction, behavior, communications, health effects, impact analysis, marketing, product composition, and toxicity.
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Key dates
- Jul 9, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 10, 2027 Application deadline in 482 days
- Sep 1, 2028 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Tobacco Regulatory Science Program, participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) intend to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) soliciting applications for Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS). The awards under this NOFO will be administered by NIH using funds made available through FDA CTP and the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (P.L. 111-31) (FSPTCA).
The TCORS program objective is to establish collaborative multidisciplinary research centers that will expand the scientific base informing regulation of tobacco products to protect public health and support implementation of the FSPTCA. Centers are expected to include at least three discrete hypothesis driven Research Projects with a scientific Integrative Theme.
The NOFO will solicit research applications within the regulatory authority of FDA CTP on one or more of the following topics:
- Addiction
- Behavior
- Communications
- Health Effects
- Impact Analysis
- Marketing
- Product Composition and Design
- Toxicity
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) or equivalent NIH application form
- Project Narrative and Research Plan
- Biographical sketches for key personnel
- Letters of Institutional Commitment from collaborating sites
- Budget Justification and Detailed Budget
- Research Strategy for each Research Project
- Facilities and Resources documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Tobacco Regulatory Science Program (TRSP)
- 📧 TRSP@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.077 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$146,492,149
-
$145,109,194
-
$109,281,102
-
$102,364,379
-
$68,162,976
-
$65,213,274
-
$64,729,661
-
$62,073,883
-
$37,389,949
-
$33,837,036
Top States by Funding
- NC 8 awards $235.8M
- CA 12 awards $232.7M
- PA 7 awards $146.2M
- MI 2 awards $133.3M
- TX 5 awards $90.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.077). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $79,945,805 | |
| 2019 | $74,249,587 | |
| 2020 | $80,381,664 | |
| 2021 | $73,775,874 | |
| 2022 | $67,279,619 | |
| 2023 | $59,273,409 | |
| 2024 est. | $59,070,436 | |
| 2025 est. | $54,000,000 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply for TCORS funding?
Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with strong research infrastructure and tobacco expertise can apply. Your institution should have capacity to lead a collaborative multidisciplinary center.
What is required in a TCORS application?
You must propose at least three discrete hypothesis-driven research projects organized around a single integrative scientific theme. Include letters of commitment from collaborating institutions.
Can I include clinical trials in my TCORS application?
Yes, the "Clinical Trial Optional" designation means clinical trials are permitted but not required for TCORS centers.
What makes a competitive TCORS application?
Strong applications demonstrate innovative research addressing FDA's regulatory science priorities. Show clear collaboration across institutions and strong preliminary data supporting each project.
Is there cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant. However, institutional support for center operations strengthens competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a clear integrative theme that meaningfully connects your three research projects. Avoid forcing unrelated projects together.
- Identify committed collaborating institutions early and secure strong letters of commitment. Strong partnerships strengthen your application significantly.
- Review FDA CTP's regulatory science priorities on their website. Align your research topics directly with current FDA regulatory interests.
- Demonstrate preliminary data for each proposed research project. Weak preliminary data is a common weakness in center applications.
- Budget for robust center administration and coordination. Review NIH center grant budgets to understand expected overhead and management costs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing disconnected research projects without meaningful integrative theme. Weak or insufficient preliminary data for proposed studies. Underestimating administrative costs and coordination needs for a multidisciplinary center.
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