Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 (P20 - Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 19 313

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - COBRE Phase 1 (P20, Clinical Trial Optional) - PAR-19-313

What is the COBRE Phase 1 (P20) funding opportunity?

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) Phase 1 opportunity is a National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) grant program under the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) umbrella. It supports the creation of a focused, thematic, multidisciplinary biomedical research center to strengthen an institution's research capacity in an IDeA-eligible state.

What is the main purpose of a Phase 1 COBRE award?

The central purpose is institutional development: building and strengthening biomedical research capacity by improving local research infrastructure and developing investigators so they can successfully compete for independent NIH research awards and other rigorous, peer-reviewed external funding.

Is this opportunity focused on individual research projects or on building a research center?

It is focused on building a coordinated research center organized around a clear scientific theme. The intent is not to fund a collection of unrelated projects, but to create an integrated, multidisciplinary program that supports capacity-building and investigator development.

What does "Phase 1" mean in the context of COBRE?

Based on the information provided, Phase 1 refers to the launch stage of a COBRE center where the institution establishes a thematic research center, builds shared resources and expertise, and creates an environment that helps early-stage or developing investigators mature into independently funded researchers.

What does "P20" mean in this opportunity?

The mechanism for this COBRE Phase 1 opportunity is P20. The excerpt provided does not include additional detail about the P20 structure, so applicants would need to consult the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for specific expectations tied to the P20 mechanism.

Are clinical trials allowed under this FOA?

Yes. The FOA indicates that clinical trials are optional. The core intent described in the listing, however, is capacity-building and investigator development through a thematic center, rather than clinical trials being the primary focus.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include universities that award doctoral degrees in health-related sciences, as well as independent biomedical research institutes or medical centers that already have ongoing biomedical research programs supported by NIH or other federal agencies, provided they are located in IDeA-eligible states.

Does the program target certain states or regions?

Yes. It is designed for institutions located in IDeA-eligible states, which are states that historically receive a smaller share of NIH funding.

What types of institutions are explicitly recognized as potential applicants?

If otherwise eligible, the opportunity explicitly recognizes Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are public universities eligible?

Yes. The listed eligible applicant organizational categories include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education (assuming other eligibility requirements are met, such as location in an IDeA-eligible state).

Are private universities eligible?

Yes. The listed eligible applicant organizational categories include private institutions of higher education (assuming other eligibility requirements are met, such as location in an IDeA-eligible state).

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligible organizational categories include certain nonprofit organizations, including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities as specified in the listing (with the understanding that additional eligibility details may be in the full FOA).

Can foreign organizations apply?

No. Foreign participation is not allowed. Non-U.S. entities cannot apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as NIH defines them) are not permitted.

Can a U.S. organization include a non-U.S. component as part of the application?

No. The listing states that non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components are not permitted.

Which NIH institute administers this COBRE Phase 1 opportunity?

This program is associated with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the NIH IDeA umbrella.

What is the opportunity number for this grant?

The opportunity number is PAR-19-313.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 93.859.

What funding activity area is this opportunity associated with?

It is categorized under the health funding activity area.

Is this a discretionary grant program?

Yes. The listing describes it as a discretionary grant program administered by NIH.

What is the closing date for the opportunity?

The original closing date shown in the provided listing is January 27, 2022.

Is the award ceiling provided in the information excerpt?

No. The award ceiling was not specified in the provided source data excerpt. Applicants would need to consult the full FOA for budget limits and other financial details.

Is the expected number of awards provided in the information excerpt?

No. The expected number of awards was not specified in the provided source data excerpt. Applicants would need to consult the full FOA for current award expectations.

What kinds of activities does Phase 1 COBRE support at an institution?

Based on the description provided, Phase 1 supports launching a center around a strong biomedical theme, building shared research resources, developing expertise, improving local infrastructure, and creating an environment that helps early-stage or developing investigators become competitive for independent NIH and other external peer-reviewed funding.

What is meant by a "focused, thematic, multidisciplinary research center" in this program?

It means the center is organized around a clear scientific theme and intentionally brings together investigators from relevant disciplines to work in a coordinated way, rather than as isolated labs working independently.

What is the long-term outcome the program is trying to achieve?

The program is described as an institutional development investment intended to build durable research infrastructure and a pipeline of investigators who can compete successfully for independent NIH awards and other rigorous external funding.

Where can applicants find details like allowable costs, required components, and review criteria?

The excerpt indicates these specifics were not included in the source data provided. Applicants would need to consult the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for budget limits, project structure expectations, allowable costs, review criteria, and required components of a Phase 1 COBRE application.