Translational Centers Using Microphysiologic Systems for Infectious Diseases

The National Institutes of Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a funding opportunity titled Translational Centers Using Microphysiologic Systems for Infectious Diseases. This program is administered through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and reflects the agency’s broader mission to advance biomedical research, improve public health, and foster innovation in disease prevention and treatment. The initiative aligns with federal priorities to modernize research methodologies and reduce reliance on animal testing by advancing human-relevant laboratory models. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and translation of microphysiologic systems, also known as MPS, for use in infectious disease research and product development. These systems are engineered in vitro platforms composed of human cells or tissues that replicate the functional characteristics of organs or biological systems. The program aims to accelerate the application of these models in studying infectious diseases and to facilitate their adoption by pharmaceutical and biotechnology developers for therapeutic and biologic product development. A secondary goal is to promote regulatory acceptance of these systems, particularly by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration. Funding will support the establishment of translational centers focused on advancing MPS technologies for infectious disease applications. Allowable activities are expected to include research and development of MPS models, validation studies, integration into drug development pipelines, and collaborative efforts that bridge academic, government, and industry stakeholders. While specific cost restrictions are not detailed in the forecast, cooperative agreement mechanisms typically involve substantial federal involvement in project oversight and collaboration. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of domestic and international entities. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations including small businesses, and various levels of government such as state, county, city, and tribal governments. Additional eligible entities include public housing authorities, independent school districts, special district governments, regional organizations, federal agencies, and foreign institutions. Faith-based and community-based organizations are also eligible, indicating an inclusive approach to participation across sectors. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures, likely requiring registration in federal systems and submission through an electronic portal. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, NIH cooperative agreements typically require comprehensive research plans, budgets, biosketches, and institutional documentation. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and the potential for impact in infectious disease research and product development. Collaboration and translational potential are expected to be key review considerations. The timeline indicates that the opportunity is currently in the forecast stage, with an estimated posting date of November 13, 2026. Applications are expected to be due by January 29, 2027, with awards anticipated to be issued by January 1, 2028. The project start date is also estimated as January 1, 2028, suggesting a coordinated timeline for funding distribution and project initiation. No recurring cycle is specified, and no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are noted in the available information. For further information, interested applicants are directed to contact the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases via the provided email address. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare in advance for the formal release of the funding announcement.