Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) (Clinical Trial Optional)

The Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science program is a federal research funding initiative led by the National Institutes of Health in partnership with the Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products. The program is authorized under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which provides FDA with regulatory authority over tobacco products. Through this collaboration, NIH administers funds to support scientific research that informs regulatory decisions intended to protect public health. The program represents a coordinated federal effort to generate evidence that can guide policy, enforcement, and product standards related to tobacco use and its impacts. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to establish multidisciplinary research centers known as Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science. These centers are expected to conduct integrated and collaborative research projects that contribute to the scientific foundation for tobacco product regulation. Each center must include at least three distinct hypothesis driven research projects that align under a unifying scientific theme. The research supported under this program is intended to address key regulatory science priorities, including addiction, behavior, communications, health effects, impact analysis, marketing, product composition and design, and toxicity. Funding will support comprehensive research activities that align with FDA regulatory authority. While specific funding amounts are not disclosed in the forecast notice, awards are expected to support large scale, multi project center structures that include administrative coordination and scientific integration. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Allowable uses of funds will likely include personnel, research infrastructure, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of findings, though detailed budget guidance will be provided in the full funding announcement. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, allowing a wide range of domestic and international entities to apply. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, small businesses, for profit organizations, independent school districts, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and special district governments. Additional eligible entities include faith based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories, and foreign institutions. This broad eligibility reflects the program’s emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and diverse institutional participation. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures, which typically involve submission through Grants.gov and include detailed research plans, budgets, and supporting documentation. While specific application components are not outlined in the forecast notice, applicants should anticipate requirements such as multiple research project descriptions, an integrative center theme, and administrative coordination plans. There is no indication of a required pre application step such as a letter of intent in the forecast. The timeline for this opportunity is currently in the forecast stage. The estimated application due date is November 10, 2027, with an anticipated award date of September 1, 2028. The project start date is expected to align with the award date. The estimated posting date for the full funding announcement is June 14, 2027. As a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to begin early planning and coordination to prepare for submission once the official notice is released. Contact with the Tobacco Regulatory Science Program is available via email for additional information and updates.