Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS)

The National Institutes of Health, through its National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), has announced a forecasted funding opportunity for the Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS) program, under opportunity number PAR-26-036. This initiative is designed to encourage the formation of interdisciplinary teams working on high-impact genomic science. NHGRI, as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to advancing genomics research and developing innovative approaches that address some of the most challenging biomedical questions. This program has been a flagship initiative for the agency, and a comprehensive evaluation completed in 2024 highlighted its significant contributions to both genomic science and broader biomedical research. The CEGS program aims to support tightly focused, highly integrated projects that take on ambitious, high-risk, high-reward goals in genomic science, computational genomics, genomic medicine, and related fields. These projects are expected to generate novel concepts, methods, tools, and technologies that have the potential to transform the field in ways not achievable through traditional project structures, such as standard R01 awards. Each center must not only demonstrate strong scientific and technical merit but also present robust management strategies capable of balancing risk with the possibility of substantial scientific payoff. A key emphasis of this program is on innovation, integration, and the development of transformative research approaches. An additional objective of the CEGS program is to broaden the pool of researchers engaging in genomics and to ensure that the tools, methods, and knowledge generated are disseminated widely to the broader scientific community. This means that funded projects are expected not only to pursue groundbreaking science but also to make their results and methodologies accessible for use beyond the immediate research team. The 2024 evaluation found that previous CEGS-funded projects had successfully contributed breakthrough resources and approaches that influenced research areas well beyond genomics, underscoring the broader value of this funding mechanism. The current funding forecast anticipates approximately $5,000,000 in total program funding, with an estimated two awards expected to be made. The number of awards and the amount allocated per award will be determined during the review and award process. Matching funds are not required under this program, which allows applicants to focus resources fully on the research and dissemination activities proposed. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that their project represents a bold, innovative vision capable of yielding significant scientific advancements. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes state, local, and tribal governments, public and private institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, small businesses, public housing authorities, and a range of other entities. Additional eligible applicants include faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, regional organizations, non-U.S. institutions, and agencies of the federal government. This wide eligibility structure reflects the NIH’s commitment to engaging diverse types of organizations and fostering collaboration across disciplines and sectors. The forecasted posting date for this opportunity is March 25, 2026, with an estimated application due date of June 24, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by April 1, 2027, with funded projects beginning on the same date. There are no identified pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper noted in the forecast at this time. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor the official posting when released for any updates to requirements, deadlines, or submission instructions. The designated grant contact for this opportunity is Stephanie A. Morris, who can be reached by phone at 301-435-5738 or via email at morriss2@mail.nih.gov. Interested applicants should direct questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or program scope to this contact. Since this opportunity is still at the forecast stage, potential applicants are encouraged to prepare by reviewing the program’s goals, evaluating their project’s alignment with CEGS priorities, and anticipating the official notice of funding opportunity in early 2026.