Single Source for the Continuation of the Caring for OutPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury (COPE-AKI) Scientific and Data Research Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required)

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health, is forecasting a funding opportunity under the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The program is titled “Single Source for the Continuation of the Caring for OutPatiEnts after Acute Kidney Injury (COPE-AKI) Scientific and Data Research Center (U01 Clinical Trial Required).” This opportunity is part of a cooperative agreement mechanism intended to extend and complete the work of the COPE-AKI consortium, which includes three clinical centers and one scientific and data research center. The forecast indicates a focus on continuing patient follow-up, achieving full enrollment targets, and supporting data analysis and dissemination efforts to advance kidney disease treatment. The COPE-AKI initiative was launched in recognition of the fact that there is no current standard of care for patients following hospitalization for acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI survivors, particularly those who experienced Stage 2 or Stage 3, are at elevated risk for adverse health outcomes, yet clinical guidance remains limited. The study’s ultimate aim is to generate evidence that informs clinical management strategies and lays the groundwork for standardizing care in this vulnerable patient population. The Scientific and Data Research Center (SDRC) plays a central role in consolidating, analyzing, and sharing data, as well as ensuring coordination among participating clinical centers. Funding is set at an estimated $1,000,000 in total program funding, with one award anticipated under this notice. Specific award ceiling and floor amounts are not disclosed in the forecast and require later confirmation when the formal notice is released. The cooperative agreement model emphasizes collaboration between the recipient institution and NIH staff, ensuring the project meets both scientific and operational goals. Cost sharing or matching is not required under this program, and the assistance listing associated with the grant is 93.847, covering diabetes, digestive, and kidney diseases extramural research. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, covering a wide range of entities, including state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations including small businesses, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and faith-based and community-based organizations. U.S. territories, regional organizations, foreign institutions, and eligible agencies of the federal government may also apply. This makes the program nationwide in scope and inclusive of domestic and international partners. The forecast indicates that the estimated posting date for the funding opportunity will be April 1, 2026, with an application due date of July 1, 2026. The estimated award date is January 1, 2027, and the project start date is anticipated for February 1, 2027. There is no pre-application step such as a letter of intent required as listed in the forecast materials. The program is not rolling but is part of a planned recurring funding cycle, with this specific opportunity forecasted for Fiscal Year 2027. As such, organizations should monitor for updates after the forecast date to prepare competitive applications once the official notice of funding opportunity is posted. For more information, applicants are directed to contact Ivonne Schulman at the National Institutes of Health. She can be reached via phone at 301-435-3350 or by email at ivonne.schulman@nih.gov. This contact will serve as the main point of communication regarding eligibility clarifications, application details, and submission processes once the forecasted opportunity moves to an active stage. The NIH website and Grants.gov will also host the official notice once posted, where final application instructions and required forms will be made available.