Grants for Advancing Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Research in US

Deadline: 06-Jan-2026

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is offering funding of up to $750,000 per project for innovative studies aimed at improving methods for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. Projects may last up to three years, with total PCORI funding of approximately $12 million available. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofit and for-profit research organizations, and federal agencies capable of conducting rigorous, ethically compliant studies with strong patient engagement.

Overview

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) invites qualified organizations to apply for funding to support innovative research methods in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness studies. The program aims to advance methodologies that improve healthcare decision-making, patient outcomes, and overall health system efficiency.

Programme Objectives

• Develop and improve methods for patient-centered comparative effectiveness research (CER).

• Ensure research outcomes are meaningful and actionable for patients, clinicians, and stakeholders.

• Promote transparency, ethical research standards, and rigorous data management.

• Facilitate public dissemination of research findings to enhance healthcare decision-making.

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant Amount: $750,000 per project.

• Total Funding Available: Approximately $12 million across all projects.

• Project Duration: Up to three years (exceptions not permitted).

• Funding Use: Includes all research costs and peer review–related expenses.

Who Is Eligible?

• Academic institutions with demonstrated research capacity.

• Private sector research organizations.

• Nonprofit and for-profit research entities.

• Federal agencies capable of conducting rigorous patient-centered research.

• International organizations may apply if research benefits U.S. healthcare and includes engagement with U.S. patients and stakeholders.

• Note: Individual applicants are not eligible.

Key Requirements

1. Methodology Compliance

   • Adhere to PCORI Methodology Standards.

   • Include patient engagement plans and advisory panel involvement where appropriate.

2. Data Management

   • Deposit de-identified data in PCORI-designated repositories.

   • Maintain strict data privacy and security standards.

3. Transparency and Ethics

   • Follow conflict-of-interest policies.

   • Ensure ethical standards in all research activities.

   • Make study findings publicly accessible per PCORI policies.

4. Project Planning

   • Align project scope and duration with work required (maximum three years).

   • Budget must not exceed $750,000 per project.

   • Exceptions to budget or project period limits are not permitted.

Why This Opportunity Matters

• Advances patient-centered research methodologies critical to clinical decision-making.

• Generates actionable evidence to improve healthcare outcomes in the U.S.

• Supports transparent, ethical, and rigorous research practices.

• Strengthens collaboration between patients, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Review Eligibility and Requirements

   • Ensure organization type, research capacity, and U.S. healthcare relevance (for international applicants).

2. Develop Project Proposal

   • Define research objectives, methodology, patient engagement plans, and expected outcomes.

   • Prepare detailed budget within $750,000 limit and project timeline up to three years.

3. Submit Application

   • Follow PCORI submission guidelines and include all required documentation.

4. Evaluation and Selection

   • Proposals assessed based on innovation, methodological rigor, patient-centered focus, feasibility, and alignment with PCORI standards.

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize patient engagement and actionable research outcomes.

• Clearly justify project relevance to U.S. healthcare if applying internationally.

• Include strong plans for data management, privacy, and public dissemination.

• Review PCORI’s standard research contract before submission.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
   $750,000 per project.

2. How long can projects last?
   Up to three years.

3. Can individuals apply?
   No, only eligible organizations may apply.

4. Are international organizations eligible?
   Yes, if the research benefits U.S. healthcare and engages U.S. patients.

5. Does funding cover all research costs?
   Yes, including peer review–related expenses.

6. Is patient engagement required?
   Yes, all projects must involve meaningful engagement with patients and stakeholders.

7. Must research findings be publicly accessible?
   Yes, all study results must be made publicly available following PCORI policies.

Conclusion

PCORI’s funding opportunity offers a significant platform for organizations to advance patient-centered research methods in comparative clinical effectiveness. By supporting innovative studies that prioritize patient engagement, rigorous methodology, and public dissemination, this program strengthens healthcare decision-making, improves patient outcomes, and contributes to a more effective and transparent health system.

For more information, visit PCORI.