Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers

The Silvio O. Conte Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers program is administered by the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It is part of an integrated program to support research on digestive and liver diseases within the mission of the NIDDK. The program seeks to foster collaboration between basic and clinical investigators by creating a structure in which shared resources are made available to enhance productivity, encourage synergy, and stimulate new research initiatives. The program is designed to promote communication and collaboration among researchers who share a focus on digestive and liver diseases. The purpose of the Digestive Diseases Research Core Centers is to bring together investigators at institutions with a strong base of ongoing digestive or liver diseases research. Each proposed Center must be organized around a central theme that reflects the scientific focus of the Center members. The theme must align with the primary mission of the NIDDK and not overlap with research areas under the purview of other NIH Institutes or Centers. Centers are expected to support shared resources that increase the efficiency, depth, and innovation of the research carried out by the affiliated investigators. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited to institutions that already maintain a substantial base of digestive and liver disease research. To qualify, institutions must demonstrate an existing research base with at least three million dollars in direct costs annually within the proposed theme area. At least thirty percent of the total research base funding must be derived from the NIDDK. Furthermore, the base must include sufficient federally funded awards to ensure that each biomedical research core is used by at least two federally funded Center members. Training grants, education awards, and fellowships are not considered part of the research base. Eligible applicant organizations include state governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and certain for-profit organizations. The program is forecasted to support up to four awards. While specific funding ceilings and total program funding amounts are not provided in the current forecast, the awards are expected to begin on June 1, 2027, following an application process that will close on July 27, 2026. The estimated posting date for the funding announcement is April 1, 2026. The program does not require cost sharing or matching from applicants. Assistance is provided under the Assistance Listings number 93.847, covering Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research. The application process is structured with a forecasted opening date of April 1, 2026. Full applications are expected to be due by July 27, 2026. There is no indication of pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper. The program is not rolling but is forecasted to be recurring, given its alignment with NIH’s ongoing research support programs. Successful applicants will be notified of awards with an estimated award date of June 1, 2027, and projects will begin on the same date. For additional information or questions, applicants may contact the designated NIH representative, Dr. Katrina J. Serrano, who can be reached by phone at 301-480-7855 or by email at katrina.serrano@nih.gov. Applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for updates and the final posting of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.