Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)

The Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program was established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and is designed to support research that improves care for individuals affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The initiative focuses on generating high-quality scientific evidence to guide clinical care, identify emerging health conditions, and strengthen public health responses to disasters. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support rigorous research projects that address health outcomes related to 9/11 exposures. Applicants are expected to propose studies that improve diagnosis and treatment, expand knowledge of physical and mental health conditions, and contribute to disaster preparedness. Research may include epidemiological studies, health services research, translational work, prevention strategies, and treatment innovations. The program emphasizes populations directly impacted by the attacks, including responders, survivors, and less-exposed populations in surrounding geographic areas. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning there is substantial involvement from CDC and NIOSH staff throughout the project lifecycle. Awards are structured for up to three years, with 12-month budget periods. Funding supports research-related expenses such as personnel, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Certain costs are restricted, including clinical care (unless specifically allowed), lobbying activities, and unapproved pre-award costs. Applicants are also required to include data management, evaluation, and dissemination plans, ensuring that findings are accessible and can inform policy and practice. Eligibility is broad and includes a wide range of U.S.-based organizations such as state and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and tribal organizations. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, though collaboration with foreign entities is permitted. Principal investigators must be affiliated with an eligible organization, as awards are not made to individuals directly. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this program, though voluntary contributions may be included without influencing review outcomes. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and adherence to strict formatting and content guidelines. Required components include a detailed research plan, budget, human subjects documentation, and supporting attachments such as letters of support and data management plans. An optional letter of intent is encouraged prior to submission to assist with review planning. Applications are evaluated through a two-tier merit review process that assesses scientific quality, investigator capability, innovation, and alignment with program goals. Key deadlines for application submission occur on June 23, 2026; December 8, 2026; and October 26, 2027. Optional letters of intent are due approximately one month prior to each submission deadline. Awards are expected to begin within several months following review, with project start dates aligned to the funding cycle. The program operates on a recurring schedule with multiple submission opportunities, allowing applicants flexibility in timing their proposals. Contact information for scientific, review, and grants management staff is provided to support applicants throughout the process.

Align research closely with WTC Health Program priorities; demonstrate strong methodology and feasibility; include clear translation and dissemination plans; ensure data quality and reproducibility; address specific affected populations