Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D)

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) is a program administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This opportunity falls within the Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) program, managed by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The IDeA initiative was established to support biomedical research capacity building in states, territories, and jurisdictions that have historically received relatively low levels of NIH funding. The COBRE-D initiative is structured as an entry point for institutions to strengthen biomedical research in areas where they have strategic interest but currently lack sufficient infrastructure or expertise. The purpose of the COBRE-D program is to provide support for institutions located in IDeA-eligible states, commonwealths, and jurisdictions. These institutions must award doctoral degrees in health-related sciences or be independent biomedical research institutes or medical centers with ongoing federally funded biomedical research programs. The program aims to build capacity by funding efforts to recruit and mentor early-career investigators. Specifically, it supports the supplementation of start-up packages for new faculty hires, development of research facilities, and the enhancement of research administration support services. Through this funding, institutions are encouraged to pursue a long-term vision of strengthening their biomedical research enterprise. The COBRE-D program also plays a strategic role in preparing less-resourced institutions for later participation in the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence Expansion/Sustainability (COBRE E/S) phases. In this way, COBRE-D provides an important mechanism for advancing biomedical research opportunities and ensuring more equitable distribution of NIH resources across the nation. While this forecast does not yet provide details on specific funding amounts, award ceilings, or floors, it does signal significant investment in biomedical research training and infrastructure development. Eligibility for this opportunity is restricted to institutions in IDeA states and territories, including Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Only those institutions that meet these geographic criteria and also meet the academic or research capacity criteria are eligible to apply. This limitation ensures the program is targeted toward regions where NIH investment has historically been lower. According to the forecasted schedule, the estimated posting date for the funding announcement is June 28, 2026, with an anticipated application due date of September 28, 2026. The estimated award date is July 1, 2027, with funded projects expected to start on the same day. As this is currently a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor updates closely to confirm finalized dates and requirements when the official funding opportunity announcement is released. For questions or further information, the designated contact for this opportunity is Federico Bernal, Ph.D., who can be reached by phone at 240-271-5059 or by email at federico.bernal@nih.gov. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out with eligibility questions or programmatic inquiries well in advance of the anticipated deadlines to ensure compliance with all requirements. This opportunity is an important pathway for building biomedical research excellence in underserved states and institutions, and participation in COBRE-D can establish the foundation for sustained growth in biomedical capacity in future years.