The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and participating NIH Institutes, has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Specialized Centers of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences (U54 Clinical Trial Optional). This program aims to support interdisciplinary translational research on biological sex differences and their impact on health, specifically women's health. The SCORE Centers are expected to function as national hubs for sex-based research and serve as key resources for both research and the dissemination of innovative practices in the field.

The purpose of the FOA is to advance understanding of how biological sex differences influence disease processes and treatment responses. These centers will bridge basic, preclinical, and clinical research to develop new approaches for improving the health of women. Research programs must incorporate sex as a biological variable (SABV) in all studies and focus on significant health issues relevant to women. The SCORE Centers will foster collaboration, promote workforce diversity, and incorporate career enhancement opportunities, particularly for early-stage investigators, to support a diverse and inclusive scientific community.

Funding for the program is available for up to five years, with an estimated budget of $1.5 million per year for each awarded center. Up to 11 awards may be granted, subject to NIH appropriations and the submission of meritorious applications. Applications must demonstrate clear translational research objectives, aiming to understand sex differences in major health areas affecting women. Projects may span basic research, clinical implementation, and public health, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration.

Eligibility for the program includes higher education institutions, both public and private, as well as nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and certain governmental entities. Institutions are encouraged to include individuals from underrepresented groups in their research teams. Applications may be submitted by institutions in the U.S. and U.S. territories, with foreign institutions and components ineligible. A key requirement is the involvement of diverse scientific teams and institutional support.

Applications are due on specific dates, with the next deadline being August 15, 2024, and an additional deadline on March 13, 2025. Applicants must submit a letter of intent 30 days before the due date, though this is not required. The review process includes scientific merit review, advisory council review, and funding decisions based on available funds and program priorities.

This FOA allows for both new and renewal applications. Centers are required to include a Leadership Administrative Core (LAC) and a Career Enhancement Core (CEC), with the potential option of a Resource Support Core (RSC). Clinical trials are permitted, but applicants should consult with ORWH program staff before submission if proposing one.

The review process will evaluate applications based on the significance, investigator expertise, innovation, approach, and environment. Additionally, career enhancement opportunities, collaboration efforts, and plans for diversity will be critically assessed.