The Litwin IBD Pioneers initiative, administered by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, is designed to support groundbreaking clinical and translational research projects that aim to advance the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Originally launched as the Broad Medical Research Program, the initiative prioritizes research that could result in significant clinical impact in the near term. By funding early-stage, pilot research, the program helps investigators explore novel and sometimes unconventional diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
This grant opportunity encourages high-risk, high-reward proposals focused on IBD diagnosis, identification of clinically relevant subtypes, innovative therapies, and potential cures. The program is inclusive of investigators globally and is particularly open to researchers from outside traditional IBD disciplines who bring fresh perspectives to the field. There is a strong emphasis on projects involving patient material or direct patient engagement, with a goal of accelerating clinical translation.
Eligible institutions include non-profit, charitable organizations such as universities, hospitals, and research organizations worldwide. The Principal Investigator must hold a faculty appointment at their institution, and official confirmation of eligibility from the applicant’s institution is required. Only one application may be submitted per applicant per cycle, and proposals may not be concurrently submitted for other funding.
The funding process involves a two-step application. First, applicants must submit a Pre-Application through Proposal Central, which opens on October 4, 2025, and closes on December 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. If selected, the applicant will be invited to submit a Full Proposal, due January 22, 2026. Renewal applications for a second year are due March 2, 2026. Funding decisions are typically announced in June following review during April and May.
Budgets may include all necessary project-related expenses such as personnel, equipment, supplies, travel, and publication costs. Clinical trial projects may request up to $130,000 (including 10% indirect costs) annually, while lab-based studies are capped at $110,000 per year. Projects are funded one year at a time, with Year Two contingent on successful progress and approval through a competitive renewal process.
Submissions must be made through the Proposal Central platform. To apply, applicants must notify Saleha Hossain, the Senior Manager of Pre-Award Grants Administration, to receive an invitation to the submission portal. For post-award matters, inquiries should be directed to postaward@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.
Preference is given to proposals using patient material and with strong clinical relevance; novelty and potential clinical impact are emphasized.
