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Open Call: Patient-Centered Comparative Effectiveness Research (US)

Deadline: 28-Apr-2026

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is inviting grant applications to advance methods in patient-centered comparative effectiveness research (CER). Funding supports innovative approaches using patient-centered measurement, real-world data, AI/ML, and improved study designs, with awards up to $750,000 per project over three years. Eligible organizations include U.S. and select foreign entities with relevance to the U.S. healthcare system.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) seeks grant applications to support methodological research in patient-centered comparative effectiveness research (CER). This initiative aims to strengthen the quality, relevance, and applicability of CER to improve healthcare decision-making.

Objectives of the Grant

The funding opportunity is designed to:

  • Advance patient-centered measurement in CER.
  • Support the use of real-world data in multi-site patient-centered CER studies.
  • Promote the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance CER.
  • Improve study design methodologies to generate robust and actionable evidence.
  • Address a broad range of health topics, including:
    • Health issues affecting children, youth, and older adults
    • Urgent public health concerns such as violence, trauma, substance use, and mental/behavioral health
    • Widespread conditions including cardiovascular disease, pain management, and sleep health

Funding Details

  • Total Program Funding: Up to $12 million
  • Maximum Grant per Project: $750,000
  • Project Period: Up to 3 years
  • Eligible Costs: Project-related research expenses, personnel, materials, AI/ML tools, data acquisition, and study design activities

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

  • U.S. private and public sector organizations recognized by the IRS
  • Foreign organizations or nondomestic components of U.S. organizations that:
    • Demonstrate relevance to the U.S. healthcare system
    • Include engagement with U.S. patients and stakeholders

Note: Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Key Focus Areas

The grant emphasizes methodological innovation in patient-centered CER through:

  1. Patient-Centered Measurement: Developing and applying tools that capture patient-reported outcomes and experiences.
  2. Real-World Data Integration: Leveraging data from electronic health records, registries, and other sources to inform multi-site CER.
  3. AI and Machine Learning: Enhancing predictive models, data analysis, and decision-making in CER studies.
  4. Study Design Improvement: Advancing rigorous and practical methods for comparative effectiveness research.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the organization meets U.S. or foreign entity requirements.
  2. Define Research Proposal: Clearly describe the methodological innovation, study design, and relevance to patient-centered CER.
  3. Develop Budget and Timeline: Allocate resources up to $750,000 for a period of up to 3 years.
  4. Engage Stakeholders: Include plans for patient and stakeholder engagement to ensure relevance and impact.
  5. Submit Application: Apply through the official PCORI funding portal before the deadline.
  6. Review and Award: Applications are evaluated based on methodological innovation, patient-centered relevance, feasibility, and potential impact on healthcare decision-making.

Tips for Applicants

  • Emphasize practical applications of methodological advances for CER.
  • Include clear plans for patient and stakeholder engagement.
  • Demonstrate robust use of real-world data, AI/ML, or novel study designs.
  • Ensure proposals align with PCORI’s broad health topics and patient-centered mission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting proposals as an individual rather than an eligible organization.
  • Failing to demonstrate relevance to U.S. healthcare for foreign entities.
  • Neglecting patient and stakeholder engagement plans.
  • Exceeding the maximum project budget or period.
  • Proposing research outside the methodological focus areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can apply for this PCORI grant?
    U.S. private/public organizations and eligible foreign organizations, not individuals.
  2. What is the maximum funding per project?
    $750,000 for up to 3 years.
  3. What research areas are supported?
    Patient-centered measurement, real-world data, AI/ML methods, and study design in CER.
  4. Are international organizations eligible?
    Yes, if they demonstrate relevance to the U.S. healthcare system and include U.S. patient engagement.
  5. Can individuals apply?
    No, only recognized organizations are eligible.
  6. What health topics are prioritized?
    Topics affecting children, youth, older adults, mental/behavioral health, cardiovascular disease, pain, sleep, trauma, and substance use.
  7. What is the focus of the methodology grant?
    Advancing innovative methods that strengthen patient-centered CER and generate actionable healthcare evidence.

Why This Grant Matters

  • Strengthens patient-centered comparative effectiveness research in healthcare.
  • Promotes innovation in study design, AI/ML, and real-world data use.
  • Enhances stakeholder and patient engagement in research.
  • Generates actionable evidence for improving healthcare decisions and outcomes.

Conclusion

The PCORI Methods Grant is a high-impact opportunity for organizations to advance patient-centered CER methodology, integrating AI, real-world data, and innovative study designs. By fostering methodological excellence, the program helps generate actionable evidence that can transform healthcare decision-making and patient outcomes.

For more information, visit PCORI.