Seed Instrumentation Support (SIS) Program (S10 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Seed Instrumentation Support Program is administered by the National Institutes of Health, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for advancing biomedical and public health research. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen institutional research infrastructure by enabling organizations to acquire critical scientific equipment. The program is part of a broader NIH effort to expand research capacity, improve data quality, and foster collaboration across biomedical disciplines. By investing in shared instrumentation, NIH aims to support both established and emerging research programs in generating reproducible and innovative scientific findings. The primary purpose of this program is to provide financial support for the purchase of a single, commercially available biomedical research instrument that is not currently accessible within the applicant institution. The emphasis is on equipment that will significantly enhance research capabilities and enable new lines of inquiry. The instrument must be shared among multiple investigators or research groups, thereby maximizing its utility and fostering collaboration. The program also seeks to promote training opportunities and support the development of sustainable research environments. Funding under this opportunity ranges from a minimum of 50000 dollars to a maximum of 400000 dollars per award. While there is no stated cap on the total cost of the instrument, applicants must secure additional funding if the purchase price exceeds the award ceiling. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, making the program more accessible to a wide range of institutions. Funds are intended strictly for the acquisition of equipment and must align with NIH policies regarding allowable costs and use. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes a variety of domestic entities such as nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, school districts, public housing authorities, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. However, foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are explicitly excluded. The program encourages applications from institutions seeking to build or expand their research infrastructure and capacity. The application process requires submission through the standard NIH grant application system, typically via Grants.gov. Applicants must prepare a detailed proposal that justifies the need for the instrument, outlines how it will be shared among users, and demonstrates its potential to enhance research productivity and collaboration. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, NIH applications generally include sections such as project description, budget justification, and institutional support documentation. Applications are currently open, with a final submission deadline of July 1, 2028. The opportunity was posted on June 25, 2026, and remains active for multiple years, suggesting a sustained funding initiative. Although no explicit recurrence is stated, the extended availability indicates NIH’s ongoing commitment to supporting research infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to plan submissions well in advance of the closing date to ensure compliance with all requirements. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs at the National Institutes of Health via email at odsig@mail.nih.gov or xiang-ning.li@nih.gov. These contacts can provide guidance on program requirements, eligibility, and application procedures. Overall, the program represents a strategic investment in the tools and infrastructure necessary to advance biomedical research and innovation across the United States.