Limited Competition: Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) (Phase 3) - Transitional Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), is offering funding through the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) program. This opportunity, under Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Number PAR-23-216, supports COBRE Phase 3 awards to sustain and solidify biomedical research capacity at Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-eligible institutions. COBRE Phase 3 provides continued support for research infrastructure, faculty development, and strategic planning to ensure long-term sustainability of biomedical research programs beyond COBRE funding. The COBRE program, authorized by Congress in 1993, is a part of the IDeA program designed to enhance biomedical research capabilities in historically underfunded states and Puerto Rico. The program consists of three sequential five-year phases. Phase 1 builds critical mass in a specific biomedical research area, Phase 2 strengthens infrastructure and mentorship, and Phase 3 ensures long-term sustainability. To be eligible for Phase 3 funding, applicant institutions must have an active COBRE Phase 2 award at the time of application. The funding will support administrative oversight, pilot project programs, and research infrastructure, with a particular focus on sustaining and expanding research excellence. The COBRE Phase 3 program requires an overall strategic plan led by a Principal Investigator (PI) who is an established biomedical research scientist with administrative and mentoring experience. The application must include an Administrative Core, which will oversee research initiatives, compliance, and financial management, as well as a Pilot Projects Program (PPP) to encourage new research initiatives. Research Cores may also be included to enhance existing capabilities or establish new shared research infrastructure. The program allows for recruitment of faculty to strengthen research expertise and supports collaborative environments within and outside the institution. Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using the NIH ASSIST system or an institutional system-to-system solution. The application process involves several components, including required registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Submission deadlines are September 26, 2023; September 24, 2024; and September 30, 2025, with a 5:00 PM local time deadline for the applicant institution. NIH recommends early submission to allow time for corrections. The earliest start dates for awards are July of the following year for each cycle. The maximum award budget is $750,000 in annual direct costs for up to five years. Funds may be used for administrative functions, pilot project development, faculty recruitment, and research infrastructure improvements. A total of $400,000 per year may be allocated for the Pilot Projects Program, with individual projects capped at $100,000 annually. Institutions must demonstrate a commitment to sustaining research capacity beyond COBRE funding. Applicants will be evaluated based on program significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and institutional environment. The review process includes scientific merit evaluations, advisory council review, and funding decisions based on portfolio balance and NIH priorities. A required institutional letter of support must confirm the institution’s commitment to maintaining research infrastructure beyond COBRE support. Additional letters from regional and state entities may be included. For further details, potential applicants may contact NIH representatives: Wuhong Pei, Ph.D. (Scientific/Research Contact) at wuhong.pei@nih.gov, Courtney Tardd-Wright (Grants Management Contact) at courtney.tardd-wright@nih.gov, or the NIH peer review office at NIGMSReview@mail.nih.gov. The NOFO expires on October 1, 2025.