National Biomedical Research Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Biomedical Research Centers (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity is a federal grant program administered by the National Institutes of Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. This program is designed to support the development and operation of advanced biomedical research centers that provide critical infrastructure, expertise, and resources to the broader scientific community. These centers play a central role in enabling cutting-edge research by offering access to specialized equipment, well-characterized research models, and collaborative environments that facilitate innovation across multiple disciplines. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish and enhance National Biomedical Research Centers that serve as hubs for both fundamental and translational research. These centers are expected to support a wide range of scientific activities, including the development and testing of novel interventions, the advancement of biomedical technologies, and the generation of new knowledge that can ultimately improve human health outcomes. The program places particular emphasis on the integration of innovative approaches that reduce reliance on traditional live animal research models. A key focus of this initiative is the advancement of New Approach Methodologies, which include human-based in vitro and in silico models. Applicants are required to propose clear and actionable strategies to reduce, refine, and replace the use of whole-animal models in research. This includes developing complementary technologies and systems that can replicate biological processes more accurately and ethically. The program encourages the use of these methodologies to improve research efficiency, enhance reproducibility, and align with evolving ethical standards in biomedical research. The centers funded under this program are expected to function as both innovation hubs and translational platforms. They will support the development of new scientific tools and approaches while also facilitating the application of these innovations in clinical and real-world settings. Clinical trials are permitted under this funding opportunity, but only when they are aligned with human-based methodologies. The centers will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including other NIH Institutes and federal agencies, to advance national research priorities and address complex health challenges. The funding structure for this program includes an award ceiling of $11,405,967 and an award floor of $7,955,376, with approximately two awards expected. While total program funding is not specified in the forecast notice, the substantial award amounts reflect the scale and complexity of the research centers being supported. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, allowing applicants to focus resources on developing comprehensive and impactful research programs. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, small businesses, and various levels of government, including state, local, and tribal governments. Additional eligible applicants include federal agencies, regional organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, and non-U.S. entities. This inclusive eligibility framework is intended to foster collaboration across sectors and encourage the development of multidisciplinary research centers. The application timeline includes an estimated posting date in late November 2026 and an application deadline in late January 2027, with awards expected in December 2027 and project start dates shortly thereafter. Applications must be submitted electronically and are expected to include detailed plans for center operations, research activities, and compliance with program requirements. This opportunity is not identified as recurring and represents a significant investment in advancing biomedical research infrastructure and innovation at a national scale.