RFGA2026-03 - AZ IG or NIA

The Arizona Biomedical Research Commission (ABRC), part of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), administers this competitive grant opportunity to advance biomedical research that improves the health of Arizonans. The program is funded by the state’s Health Research Fund, established through tobacco tax revenues under Arizona Revised Statutes §§36-275 and 36-773. It provides two distinct funding tracks—the Investigator Grant (IG) for senior researchers and the New Investigator Award (NIA) for early-career or re-entering researchers—to promote both established and emerging research talent across Arizona’s academic and health institutions. The ABRC’s primary objective is to accelerate promising basic and translational biomedical research toward clinical testing and commercialization. IG awards support established researchers with independent research positions who are positioned to transition into larger federal funding opportunities, clinical trials, or device studies. The NIA program provides a launch platform for researchers with fewer than ten years of postdoctoral experience or those returning to research after an extended hiatus. Both tracks are designed to strengthen Arizona’s biomedical research ecosystem and expand collaborative capacity among institutions and disciplines. Projects that demonstrate a high potential to enhance the state’s economy and healthcare outcomes are strongly encouraged. These include studies with the potential to reduce recovery times, lower healthcare costs, increase productivity, or yield new patents and intellectual property in Arizona. ABRC places a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration—whether within a single institution, across universities, or between academic and private sector partners. Such collaborations are expected to increase the competitiveness and translational impact of funded projects. Approximately $12.5 million in total funding is available through this RFGA. The ABRC anticipates awarding roughly 34 grants, with a maximum of $250,000 annually for IG awards and $75,000 annually for NIA awards. Each project may span up to three years, subject to renewal and continued funding availability. Unused funds may be carried forward with ABRC approval, for up to five years. Matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants include Arizona-based institutions and researchers residing in Arizona. IG applicants must hold independent research positions equivalent to those eligible for NIH R01 grants, while NIA applicants must meet one of the early-career, mid-career transition, or re-entry criteria. NIA applicants must also provide a signed letter of support from a senior mentor or department chair, verifying endorsement of the proposal. Mentors are expected to demonstrate a strong funding and mentorship record. Applications open August 8, 2025, and close November 17, 2025. Prospective applicants may attend virtual informational sessions scheduled for August 18 and August 21, 2025. Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the ABRC’s RFGA instructions through the ADHS procurement portal. Program inquiries can be directed to Brittany Manuel, Senior Procurement Specialist, at brittany.manuel@azdhs.gov or 480-521-2703. Awards will be administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 530, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

Emphasize collaboration and potential for economic or clinical impact; clearly demonstrate Arizona benefit and alignment with ABRC mission.