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:
- Patient-Centered Measurement: Developing and applying tools that capture patient-reported outcomes and experiences.
- Real-World Data Integration: Leveraging data from electronic health records, registries, and other sources to inform multi-site CER.
- AI and Machine Learning: Enhancing predictive models, data analysis, and decision-making in CER studies.
- Study Design Improvement: Advancing rigorous and practical methods for comparative effectiveness research.
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the organization meets U.S. or foreign entity requirements.
- Define Research Proposal: Clearly describe the methodological innovation, study design, and relevance to patient-centered CER.
- Develop Budget and Timeline: Allocate resources up to $750,000 for a period of up to 3 years.
- Engage Stakeholders: Include plans for patient and stakeholder engagement to ensure relevance and impact.
- Submit Application: Apply through the official PCORI funding portal before the deadline.
- 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
- Who can apply for this PCORI grant?
U.S. private/public organizations and eligible foreign organizations, not individuals. - What is the maximum funding per project?
$750,000 for up to 3 years. - What research areas are supported?
Patient-centered measurement, real-world data, AI/ML methods, and study design in CER. - Are international organizations eligible?
Yes, if they demonstrate relevance to the U.S. healthcare system and include U.S. patient engagement. - Can individuals apply?
No, only recognized organizations are eligible. - What health topics are prioritized?
Topics affecting children, youth, older adults, mental/behavioral health, cardiovascular disease, pain, sleep, trauma, and substance use. - 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.