RFGA2026-03 - AZ IG or NIA

The Arizona Biomedical Research Commission (ABRC), under the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), has released a funding opportunity identified as RFGA2026-03, inviting applications for two research awards: the Investigator Grant (IG) and the New Investigator Award (NIA). These funding mechanisms are intended to advance biomedical research within the state of Arizona by fostering promising projects with high potential for clinical application, federal funding leverage, commercialization, and regional economic development. Funding is sourced through the state’s Health Research Fund supported by tobacco tax revenue, as established by Arizona Revised Statutes §36-275 and §36-773. The Investigator Grant (IG) is targeted toward senior researchers who are already conducting ongoing basic or translational research. These researchers are expected to use the funds to further their work toward acquiring larger federal grants (such as NIH R01s), launching clinical trials, device studies, or commercial ventures. IG applicants must be in an independent research position at a domestic U.S. institution, and this independence must meet institutional standards for applying for NIH R01 grants, including committed access to institutional research facilities. The New Investigator Award (NIA), in contrast, is intended to support individuals who have either graduated within ten years of the LOI due date, are mid-career professionals changing research fields, or are re-entering research after a break of five or more years. NIA applicants must include a letter of support from a department chair or senior mentor who has a strong track record of mentoring and securing both state and federal research funding. Eligibility for both grant types requires that the Principal Investigator (PI) reside in Arizona and that the lead institution is based in the state. Applicants must have the skills, knowledge, and institutional support necessary to carry out the proposed research. Collaboration is strongly encouraged and may occur across institutions or disciplines. Projects that demonstrate the potential for economic impact—such as reducing healthcare costs, increasing productivity, or contributing to biomedical intellectual property within Arizona—are particularly encouraged. The total funding available is up to $12.5 million, with $5 million per year dedicated to IG and NIA combined. The IG awards provide up to $250,000 annually for up to three years, while the NIA awards provide up to $75,000 annually for the same duration. Although ADHS reserves the right not to allocate the full funding amount, awardees may roll over unspent funds into future years of the same project, up to a five-year maximum, subject to ABRC discretion. The grant application opens on August 8, 2025, and closes on September 5, 2025. Two virtual pre-application Q&A sessions are scheduled: one on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. and another on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:00 P.M., both conducted via Google Meet. Questions and clarifications may be directed to Brittany Manuel, Senior Procurement Specialist at the Arizona Department of Health Services, via email at brittany.manuel@azdhs.gov or by phone at 480.521.2703. This funding opportunity is currently active and accepting applications. There is no required match for applicants. Prior ABRC grant recipients may reapply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Applications should demonstrate scientific merit, a clear plan of action, and institutional backing. Successful proposals are likely to stand out for their innovative design, collaborative nature, and potential for significant health or economic impact in the state of Arizona.