Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) to Support Translational Studies for Acute Cerebroprotection Network Sites and Coordinating Center (U01- CT Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the National Institutes of Health, has announced its intention to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network, also referred to as SPAN 3.0. This funding opportunity will utilize the U01 cooperative agreement mechanism and is designed to support the establishment of a network of testing sites and a coordinating center. Its purpose is to advance translational studies for cerebroprotection in experimental models of acute ischemic stroke. At this time, the program is forecasted and not yet open for applications, but the notice is provided to allow researchers to begin building collaborations and preparing responsive proposals. The SPAN 3.0 initiative will support up to six data collection sites and one coordinating center. The network is structured to emphasize scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data sharing across multiple research centers. The coordinating center will manage administration, oversight, and the integration of study findings, while the sites will be responsible for carrying out preclinical studies testing candidate stroke interventions. This arrangement is intended to improve the quality of translational research and increase the chances that preclinical findings can be reliably translated into clinical studies. Funding for this program will be available beginning in December 2026, with an anticipated total of $500,000 allocated for the first round. The notice indicates that one award is expected, though this may represent either a single large award or an initial pilot allocation. The estimated award date is December 1, 2026, and projects are expected to begin on December 3, 2026. Applications are projected to open on December 17, 2025, and will be due by March 18, 2026. This timeline allows for several months of proposal preparation once the funding opportunity is officially published. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, public housing authorities, for-profit organizations both large and small, independent school districts, and special district governments. In addition, U.S. territories, foreign institutions, federal agencies, faith-based organizations, and regional organizations are also eligible. This wide eligibility framework is designed to foster collaboration across sectors and encourage participation from diverse institutions with expertise in preclinical stroke research. The funding opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds, which lowers the barrier for institutions to apply. Since it is a cooperative agreement, the program will involve substantial NIH staff participation in the management and oversight of funded projects. Applicants should expect close coordination with NIH to ensure that research aligns with the goals of SPAN and that data generated will be shared across the network. Applications are not yet being solicited, but investigators are encouraged to prepare early. The NIH advises prospective applicants to begin forming partnerships and conceptualizing projects that could fit within the network model. For additional details, the point of contact for this program is Francesca Bosetti, who can be reached at 301-496-1297 or via email at frances@mail.nih.gov.