Limited Competition: High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs in Clinical and Translational Science (Clinical Trials Optional)

The Limited Competition: High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs (SIPs) in Clinical and Translational Science (PAR-26-128) is a funding opportunity forecasted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically under the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). It is part of an initiative to strengthen the nation’s capacity in clinical and translational science by empowering CTSA Program Hubs with dedicated support to develop and demonstrate specialized capabilities, research platforms, and resources that address critical translational challenges. This program reflects NIH's broader mission to turn scientific discoveries into health solutions by removing barriers in the translational pipeline. SIPs are intended to support the creation and validation of innovative methodologies or tools that address major bottlenecks in the translational science process. These could include technological innovations, new service models, advanced data analytics, and other novel approaches that enable faster, more efficient, or more equitable translation of biomedical discoveries. The program is particularly focused on approaches that could be disseminated to other CTSA Program Hubs, creating a multiplier effect that extends impact beyond the originating institution. Only institutions currently holding or applying for a Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) under PAR-24-272 (UM1, Clinical Trial Optional) are eligible to apply. The primary CTSA hub institution must be the applicant; partner organizations or collaborators are not eligible as lead applicants. SIP applications can be submitted concurrently with a UM1 application, while the UM1 is under review or after it has been awarded. However, funding of a SIP is contingent on the awarding of the applicant institution’s UM1. Furthermore, a CTSA hub that is in an extension period may only apply for a SIP if a new UM1 application is submitted, under review, or funded. Each active CTSA UM1 hub may submit up to two SIP applications per cycle and may hold no more than two SIP awards at a time. These restrictions are intended to ensure equitable distribution of resources and to focus institutional efforts on high-impact innovations. Awards made through this opportunity will be governed by the authorities of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act and the regulations outlined in 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200. Applications submitted under this forecast will undergo NIH's standard peer review process, with awards based on scientific merit. While detailed application instructions are not yet published, the notice emphasizes that only meritorious applications will be funded. The projected application due date is September 28, 2026, with an estimated award and project start date of July 15, 2027. No cost sharing or matching is required for eligibility. This competition does not mandate the inclusion of clinical trials but allows them as an optional component. For further inquiries, applicants may contact the CTSA Program Branch within the Division of Clinical Innovation at 301-827-2017. This funding opportunity represents a significant strategic investment in the infrastructure of clinical and translational research across the United States, providing CTSA hubs the resources and flexibility to innovate in ways that can benefit the broader research community.