Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) (P20) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the COBRE (P20) grant opportunity?

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) opportunity is an NIH grant program that supports the creation of a thematic, multidisciplinary biomedical research center using the P20 center grant mechanism. It is intended to strengthen an institution's research environment and infrastructure so it can sustain competitive, externally funded biomedical science over time.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) listed for this COBRE opportunity is PAR 09-079.

Which NIH entity administers this opportunity?

The program is administered through the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) under the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) umbrella.

What is the main goal of COBRE?

The core aim is to build long-term biomedical research capacity in IDeA-eligible states, particularly states that have historically received a comparatively low share of NIH research funding. The program is designed to help institutions move from having isolated pockets of research activity to a stronger, more sustainable research environment.

What does "IDeA-eligible states" mean in this context?

Within the information provided, IDeA-eligible states are described as states that have historically received a comparatively low share of NIH research funding. COBRE is targeted to build capacity in those locations.

What kind of structure does COBRE funding support?

COBRE supports a coordinated research center organized around a clearly defined scientific theme. The emphasis is on building a thematic, multidisciplinary center rather than funding scattered individual projects.

Does COBRE fund individual, unrelated projects?

No. Based on the description provided, COBRE is designed to fund a coordinated center built around a scientific theme, with investigators brought together across disciplines and supported by shared resources and an enabling research environment.

What does "thematic, multidisciplinary research center" mean for applicants?

It means the proposed COBRE should be organized around a specific, clearly defined scientific theme and should intentionally bring together investigators from multiple disciplines to strengthen biomedical research infrastructure and collaborative capacity at the institution.

What outcomes is COBRE trying to produce for investigators?

A major emphasis is helping investigators become competitive for independent NIH funding (such as individual research awards) and other peer-reviewed external funding. In practical terms, COBRE is positioned as a springboard to investigator independence beyond the COBRE award period.

What outcomes is COBRE trying to produce for institutions?

The program aims to strengthen and stabilize an institution's biomedical research environment so it can support competitive, externally funded science over the long term. This includes developing shared resources and building a more sustainable research infrastructure.

What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This announcement uses the NIH exploratory grant mechanism, specifically the P20 center grant mechanism.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The information provided states that this is a discretionary grant program and it does not require cost sharing or matching.

What funding category is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is described as being within the Education and Health funding activity category and is listed under CFDA 93.389.

How much funding did NCRR intend to commit, and how many awards were expected?

NCRR indicated an intent to commit approximately $22,000,000 in fiscal year 2010 to support up to 10 awards under this announcement.

What is the listed award ceiling?

The listed award ceiling in the provided information is $500,000.

Is this opportunity competitive?

Yes. The details provided suggest a limited number of awards nationally (up to 10) and a defined funding pool, indicating a competitive and selective process.

Which types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status), and other organizations as described in the full announcement, provided they meet the program's broader eligibility requirements tied to IDeA.

Are institutions serving specific populations included in the eligibility description?

Yes. The eligibility information explicitly includes institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions, as long as they meet the broader eligibility requirements tied to IDeA.

Where can applicants find the full announcement?

The full announcement is available via the NIH grants guide, which is linked in the opportunity record referenced in the description.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The posted date is January 16, 2009. The original closing date is listed as April 28, 2011. A current closing date is shown as February 1, 2011. The archive date is March 1, 2011.

Who is the contact for access or linking issues related to the announcement?

The NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact is provided for access or linking issues, according to the information supplied.

What is the overall purpose of this opportunity in one sentence?

It is a strategic NIH investment to build themed biomedical research centers and accelerate investigator independence in IDeA-eligible states and institutions that have historically been underrepresented in NIH funding success.