Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs)

The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers program is a funding initiative administered by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program seeks to advance the nation’s capacity for high-quality and impactful research related to nutrition and obesity, recognizing the growing significance of these fields to public health. The program builds on the infrastructure of existing research programs and provides institutional support for the establishment of centers dedicated to research excellence and collaboration. The purpose of the Nutrition Obesity Research Centers is to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and multidisciplinary nature of research programs addressing nutrition and obesity. The centers are expected to integrate and expand upon existing strengths at applicant institutions, creating a more coordinated and resource-rich research environment. Support is provided in three primary areas: research core services, a pilot and feasibility program, and an enrichment program. Collectively, these areas are intended to increase collaboration, accelerate research progress, and provide opportunities for early-stage or high-risk projects that may lead to breakthroughs in the field. Research core services are central to the program, offering shared resources and technical expertise that can be leveraged by multiple investigators to reduce duplication and enhance quality. The pilot and feasibility component provides funding for small-scale projects that may open new directions in research or provide preliminary data for larger grant applications. The enrichment program serves to expand training, networking, and knowledge dissemination, thereby fostering the growth of researchers working in nutrition and obesity science. Eligibility for the Nutrition Obesity Research Centers program is limited to institutions that can demonstrate established and integrated nutrition and/or obesity research programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public and private institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. The program is not restricted to a specific geographic area and is intended to support centers nationwide. Applicants should ensure they meet all listed eligibility requirements before preparing an application. The estimated timeline for this program indicates that the funding opportunity will be posted on April 1, 2026. Applications will be due on October 1, 2026, and awards are anticipated to be issued on June 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned to the same day. The estimated total program funding is $3,600,000, with three awards expected. Specific award ceilings and floors are not listed, which suggests variability depending on institutional needs and proposed scope of work. Matching funds are not required for this opportunity. Applications must be submitted through the federal grants platform, with institutions following NIH submission policies and requirements. The opportunity is currently forecasted and has not yet opened for applications. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare by reviewing NIH grant application guidelines, assembling research teams, and ensuring administrative readiness. Contact for program-specific questions is Mary Evans, PhD, who can be reached at 301-594-4578 or evansmary@niddk.nih.gov. This individual can provide clarification on program scope, application expectations, or technical requirements for applicants preparing proposals.