The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is inviting applications under the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers: 2025 Special Interest Project (SIP) Competitive Supplements. This funding opportunity, designated as RFA-DP-25-126, aims to support the CDC’s Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) in conducting high-quality applied public health research that informs public health practice. PRCs will engage in research to identify, design, test, evaluate, disseminate, and translate evidence-based interventions addressing major causes of illness, disability, and death in the United States. SIP projects will be conducted in real-world settings, leveraging PRCs’ established partnerships with community and academic stakeholders.

The program focuses on applied public health research, including primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention efforts. Projects may address individual behaviors, health policies, environmental factors, and socioeconomic determinants that contribute to chronic disease prevention and health promotion. SIPs align with national public health priorities such as Healthy People 2030 objectives, targeting areas including cancer prevention, diabetes, physical activity, obesity reduction, and cardiovascular health.

For fiscal year 2025, CDC anticipates funding up to 12 SIP awards with a total estimated funding of $21,858,000 across a four-year project period. Individual funding amounts and timelines vary depending on the specific SIP topic. Awards will support PRCs in addressing critical public health gaps through community-based participatory research, policy evaluation, and intervention testing. CDC will prioritize projects demonstrating strong scientific merit, relevance to public health needs, and potential for sustainable community impact.

Eligible applicants are limited to PRCs funded under CDC Notice of Funding Opportunity RFA-DP-24-004. Institutions must submit separate applications for each SIP they intend to pursue, and only one application per institution per SIP is permitted. The principal investigator (PI) from the PRC’s main award must be included as a co-PI in the SIP application. Projects must follow guidelines outlined in the SF-424 (R&R) Application Guide, including preparation of a PHS 398 Research Plan addressing significance, innovation, and approach.

Applications must include a clear plan for achieving SIP objectives, collaborating with key partners, evaluating project performance, and disseminating results. Proposals must demonstrate an understanding of the target population, outline the study design and methods, and describe strategies for addressing health disparities and inequities. A strong emphasis is placed on translating research findings into public health practice and policy to ensure lasting community benefits.

Key deadlines for this NOFO include a letter of intent due on February 5, 2025, and a full application submission deadline of February 28, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov and validated through eRA Commons. CDC anticipates making awards by September 30, 2025, with the first budget period running through September 29, 2026.

In summary, this opportunity is designed to leverage the expertise and infrastructure of PRCs to advance applied research in chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Successful applicants will address CDC priorities, engage diverse populations, and contribute to evidence-based strategies that improve population health outcomes.