The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), has reissued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Limited Competition: Renewal of Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) (Phase 2)." This program aims to strengthen biomedical research capabilities at Institutional Development Award (IDeA)-eligible institutions by supporting centers that have successfully completed Phase 1. The primary objective of the COBRE Phase 2 award is to further develop investigators and enhance research infrastructure to ensure that they can compete for independent research funding. Applications are accepted for renewal, with the next due date being May 29, 2024. Funding decisions will depend on merit reviews, NIH appropriations, and the availability of high-quality applications.

The COBRE program offers phased awards, where Phase 1 supports the initial development of biomedical research centers by building infrastructure and nurturing new investigators. Phase 2 continues support for these centers, focusing on sustaining and expanding their research programs. Phase 2 applicants must demonstrate progress made under Phase 1, such as increased research publications, independent funding, and the development of research cores that serve broader institutional needs. The Phase 2 award provides five years of support to achieve these goals, with budgets limited to $1.5 million in annual direct costs. The project period may not exceed five years.

Eligibility is limited to institutions that have completed COBRE Phase 1 and currently hold an active Phase 1 award, including those in no-cost extension periods. The program encourages applications from investigators at early career stages, particularly Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) or New Investigators (NIs) who lead their research programs. Eligible individuals must have the skills and resources necessary to fulfill the roles of Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI). Institutions must also demonstrate ongoing commitment to the development of the COBRE center and its long-term sustainability.

Submission requirements include a multi-component application consisting of an Overall Plan, Administrative Core, and at least two but no more than five independent research projects. Each project should propose innovative science that builds upon the strengths of Phase 1 but explores new scientific questions. The application must also detail strategies for expanding the use of research cores and ensuring their long-term viability after COBRE funding ends. A robust mentoring and career development plan for research leaders is mandatory, along with a Pilot Projects Program to foster new research ideas.

Applications are evaluated on multiple criteria, including the significance of the proposed research, the strength and potential of the research leaders, and the alignment of the center with the institution's strategic priorities. Reviewers will also assess the institution’s commitment to developing a diverse research environment, as outlined in a required Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP). Successful applications must demonstrate that Phase 1 has successfully built research capacity and that Phase 2 will further expand and sustain this growth.

Key dates include a submission deadline of May 29, 2024, with reviews conducted in November 2024 and council reviews scheduled for January 2025. Funding for successful applications will begin as early as April 2025. Applicants must follow all NIH submission guidelines, including the use of the ASSIST system, and ensure compliance with NIH policies on data sharing and the responsible conduct of research.