Limited Competition: Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Expansion/Sustainability Phases (COBRE-E/S) (P30 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Expansion and Sustainability Phases (COBRE-E/S) funding opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. It is part of the Institutional Development Award program, which was established to strengthen biomedical research capacity in states and jurisdictions that have historically received lower levels of NIH funding. The COBRE initiative specifically supports the development and long-term sustainability of research centers at eligible institutions, with a focus on expanding faculty expertise, enhancing infrastructure, and improving competitiveness for future federal funding. This funding opportunity supports two phases of development. The Expansion phase is designed for institutions that already possess a foundational level of research capacity and are seeking to broaden their scientific capabilities by growing faculty, research programs, and core facilities. The Sustainability phase is intended to maintain and solidify the gains achieved during earlier phases by strengthening institutional infrastructure, supporting faculty advancement, and ensuring that research operations continue beyond the lifecycle of the grant. Each phase is structured to support long-term institutional growth, with awards typically spanning five years per phase. Funding under this program supports a wide range of allowable activities tied to biomedical research development. These include the establishment and management of administrative cores, scientific research programs, and research cores that provide shared resources. Funds may be used for faculty recruitment, mentoring programs, research infrastructure, equipment, and limited renovation of facilities. However, clinical trials are not permitted under this opportunity. The program emphasizes strategic planning, sustainability, and alignment with institutional priorities, requiring applicants to demonstrate how proposed activities will lead to lasting research capacity. Eligibility is restricted to specific institutions located in designated eligible states and territories that meet defined criteria related to research capacity and existing COBRE funding. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education as well as nonprofit research organizations. Institutions must demonstrate existing biomedical research activity, hold a limited number of active COBRE awards, and meet additional requirements related to doctoral training or research infrastructure. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, though limited unfunded collaborations may be permitted under specific conditions. The application process requires submission through NIH-approved systems such as ASSIST or institutional system-to-system solutions. Applicants must follow detailed multi-component application instructions, including preparation of an overall plan, administrative core, scientific research program, and optional research cores. Required elements include strategic plans, sustainability strategies, advisory committee structures, and career development programs for investigators. Applications undergo standard NIH peer review, and only those demonstrating strong scientific merit and alignment with program goals are considered for funding. Key dates for this opportunity include an open date in late August 2026, with multiple recurring submission deadlines throughout each year. Applications are typically due in cycles aligned with NIH standard dates, including September, January, and May. Review and award cycles follow a structured timeline, with scientific review occurring several months after submission and earliest project start dates approximately ten months later. The opportunity remains active through May 2029, with recurring submission cycles expected during that period. Awardees are expected to implement comprehensive research and administrative plans, participate in required meetings, and comply with NIH policies regarding reporting, data sharing, and research oversight. The program places strong emphasis on mentoring early-stage investigators, building sustainable research programs, and ensuring that funded centers continue to contribute to biomedical research advancement beyond the grant period. Overall, the COBRE-E/S program serves as a critical mechanism for strengthening research ecosystems in historically underfunded regions and advancing national biomedical research capacity.

Strong emphasis on sustainability planning and institutional commitment; demonstrate alignment with strategic priorities; prioritize mentoring and development of early-stage investigators; avoid duplication of existing research infrastructure