IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) P20 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - INBRE P20 (PAR 08-150)

What is the INBRE P20 opportunity (PAR 08-150)?

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) P20 opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 08-150) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant announcement issued by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR). It supports competing continuation (competitive renewal) applications for existing INBRE statewide networks in IDeA-eligible states.

Is this opportunity for new INBRE networks or existing ones?

This announcement is specifically for competing continuation (competitive renewal) applications for existing INBRE statewide networks. It is not described as a program for starting a brand-new network from scratch.

What is the main purpose of this continuation opportunity?

The central aim is to build on the progress and infrastructure already established through prior INBRE phases and to further strengthen a state's long-term biomedical research capacity. Applicants are expected to provide evidence of progress, measurable accomplishments, and an updated plan that expands or deepens the network's impact.

What kind of organizational structure does an INBRE program require?

INBRE must function as a collaborative statewide research network anchored by a lead institution and supported by partner institutions. The program is described as statewide and collaborative rather than a single-institution effort.

Where must the lead applicant institution be located?

The lead applicant must be located in an IDeA-eligible state.

What types of organizations can serve as the lead applicant?

The lead applicant must be either (1) a domestic public or private nonprofit research institution that awards doctoral degrees in the health sciences (or sciences related to health), or (2) an independent biomedical research institute.

What partner institutions are expected to be included in the network?

The network must include meaningful partnerships with undergraduate-serving institutions, community colleges, and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). This reflects an emphasis on strengthening research capability across institutions and building a broader, more inclusive student and trainee pipeline.

What are the major program objectives described in the FOA?

The FOA lays out four major objectives: (1) continue developing and refining an established multidisciplinary research network with a defined scientific focus to strengthen research expertise and shared infrastructure at lead and partner institutions; (2) expand the state's research base by supporting faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students (people, not just projects) to increase competitive biomedical research activity; (3) prioritize hands-on research opportunities for students from undergraduate institutions, community colleges, and TCUs to support pathways into advanced training and sustained health research careers within IDeA states; and (4) enhance the science and technology knowledge of the state's workforce more broadly, linking research capacity-building to economic development and a stronger regional STEM ecosystem.

Does the FOA require a specific scientific focus?

Yes. The network is described as multidisciplinary but with a defined scientific focus, and that focus is used to strengthen research expertise and shared infrastructure across participating institutions.

Does the program support people, projects, or both?

The FOA emphasizes expanding the state's research base by supporting people, not just projects, specifically faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. It also highlights student research opportunities as a priority.

What student groups are specifically prioritized for research opportunities?

The FOA prioritizes hands-on research opportunities for students from undergraduate institutions, community colleges, and tribal colleges and universities (TCUs).

What broader workforce or economic outcomes are mentioned?

Beyond research capacity, the FOA states an intent to enhance the science and technology knowledge of the state's workforce more broadly, recognizing research capacity-building as a contributor to economic development and a stronger regional STEM ecosystem.

What grant mechanism is used for this program?

Funding is provided through the NIH P20 exploratory grant mechanism, which is commonly used for planning, building, and expanding research programs and shared resources, particularly in collaborative or developmental settings.

How is the funding category and activity described?

The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant with an Education/Health activity focus.

How many awards were anticipated, and what was the estimated total funding?

The FOA anticipated approximately 18 awards, with an estimated total funding level of about $60,000,000 across awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for applicants in the provided information.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posted and creation date is December 2, 2008. The closing date is July 22, 2010, and the opportunity was archived on August 22, 2010.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number listed is 93.389.

Which applicant organization types are listed as eligible (at a high level)?

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, provided they meet the IDeA-state location requirement and the doctoral-degree (in health sciences or related sciences) or independent biomedical research institute eligibility conditions described for the lead applicant.

What does the FOA expect from renewal applicants in terms of documentation and planning?

Because it is a continuation opportunity, applicants are expected to present clear evidence of progress, measurable accomplishments, and an updated plan that expands or deepens the network's impact rather than restarting the effort.

Where were applicants directed for the official guidance and posting?

Applicants were directed to the NIH posting associated with PAR 08-150 on the NIH grants site for full official guidance.

Who provides technical access and linking support for the NIH posting?

Technical access and linking support were noted as available through the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact.

Which NIH center is identified as issuing this announcement?

The announcement is described as being issued by the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) within NIH.