NIH Research Program Projects (Parent P01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a major agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation's medical research agency and a global leader in supporting scientific studies that improve human health. Through this forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "NIH Research Program Projects (Parent P01 Clinical Trial Optional)," the NIH is inviting applications for multi-project research programs that align with its mission to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and to apply that knowledge to enhance health and reduce illness and disability. This Parent P01 funding mechanism is intended to support broadly based, multidisciplinary, and often long-term research programs centered around a specific major scientific objective. Each Program Project application must include at least two interrelated research projects as well as an administrative core. Scientific cores may also be included if necessary for the support of the proposed research. The projects must share a central scientific theme or objective, fostering collaboration and resource sharing to address complex biomedical problems that are not easily addressed by individual projects alone. Applications must align with the scientific missions of one or more of the participating NIH Institutes, Centers, or Offices (ICOs). Awards made under this opportunity are authorized by Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act, and they are subject to federal regulations including 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200. Although clinical trials are optional under this program, all applicants must clearly specify whether clinical trials are included. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. The anticipated funding activity falls under the “Health” category, with particular emphasis on cancer cause and prevention research, as denoted by the Assistance Listing 93.393. Details regarding allowable and unallowable costs, performance periods, and specific NIH ICO interests are expected to be clarified in the formal NOFO upon its release. The estimated posting date for the formal application materials is April 25, 2026, with a projected application due date of May 25, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by April 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned accordingly. As this is a forecasted opportunity, these dates are subject to change. The program is not currently accepting applications and is in its early engagement phase. No pre-application requirements such as Letters of Intent or concept papers are stated at this stage. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly inclusive, extending to U.S.-based and non-domestic entities, including state, local, and tribal governments; institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; small and for-profit businesses; faith-based and community-based organizations; and regional and international institutions. Contact for the opportunity is the Referral Officer at the National Cancer Institute, reachable at 240-276-6390. No PDF version of the NOFO is currently available for download.