The Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Clinical and Translational Research Network (CTR-N) Award (P50) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports biomedical research capacity in states with historically low NIH funding. The award aims to enhance clinical and translational (C&T) research infrastructure, develop a skilled research workforce, and improve collaboration across statewide or multi-state networks. CTR-N programs are expected to target health challenges within their regions by strengthening research capacity and coordinating C&T activities across various health organizations, including community clinics.

This funding opportunity allows for a maximum of $3.3 million in annual direct costs per awarded network for up to five years. Applications must include a lead organization based in an eligible IDeA state, with a history of externally funded C&T research. A single organization may submit one application, collaborating with partner organizations within the same or multiple IDeA states. Lead organizations must have a robust research administration structure and be capable of managing clinical trials and sub-awards across a network of health research partners. To ensure resource alignment, each organization can only participate in one active CTR-N or IDeA-CTR award.

Applications must address specific program components: an Administrative Core, Research Design, Compliance and Data Management (RDCD) Core, Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) Core, Professional Development (PD) Core, and a Health Research (HR) Core. Each core serves a distinct role; for example, the CEO Core focuses on community partnerships and integrating community feedback into research priorities, while the PD Core offers network-wide training and professional development activities. The HR Core oversees research projects within the CTR-N, including pilot and developmental projects, and must manage funds to support projects at various career stages.

Submission requirements mandate adherence to the NIH’s multi-project application instructions, with a strong emphasis on compliance with the NIH data management policies and a required Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP). The PEDP must outline strategies to foster inclusivity and diversity in scientific research, encompassing collaborations across various institutions, career stages, and demographic backgrounds. Applications must be submitted through the NIH ASSIST system or an approved institutional system-to-system (S2S) solution.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, certain nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribal governments located in IDeA-eligible states. For lead applicants, the primary investigator should be a seasoned C&T research leader with experience managing multi-institutional programs. Budget requests may include support for essential personnel, committee operations, research infrastructure improvements, and attendance at the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) biennial meetings. Costs associated with PEDP implementation are also allowable.

Applications are reviewed based on criteria such as significance, investigator capabilities, approach, and the extent of collaboration across network organizations. Key dates include an annual application submission window from October through November, with reviews occurring the following March, and awards being granted in July. This NOFO expires on October 10, 2025, and applicants are advised to submit early to accommodate any necessary adjustments before the final due date.