Advancing the Science of Engagement in Research (United States)

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is inviting applications for research projects that strengthen the science of stakeholder engagement in health research. The funding opportunity supports studies that develop and validate engagement measures or test effective engagement methods, with awards of up to US$1.5 million and project durations of up to three years.

PCORI Science of Engagement Research Funding Opportunity

Funding Summary

Funding Organization: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Program: Science of Engagement Research Funding Opportunity
Funding Categories: Two
Category 1 Funding: Up to US$1 million (direct costs)
Category 2 Funding: Up to US$1.5 million (direct costs)
Project Duration:
- Category 1: Up to 2 years
- Category 2: Up to 3 years
Application Process: Letter of Intent (LOI) followed by invitation-only full application
LOI Deadline: September 9, 2026

About the Program

The PCORI Science of Engagement Research Funding Opportunity supports research that advances the evidence base on stakeholder engagement throughout the research process. The initiative builds on more than a decade of PCORI investments that have promoted meaningful involvement of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and other healthcare stakeholders in research.

Although stakeholder engagement has become a key component of patient-centered research, important knowledge gaps remain regarding how engagement should be defined, measured, evaluated, and implemented. This funding opportunity seeks to generate high-quality evidence that improves engagement practices and strengthens future patient-centered research.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Advance the science of stakeholder engagement in research.
Develop reliable measures for evaluating engagement activities.
Validate engagement frameworks across different research settings.
Test methods for meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Improve evidence-based engagement practices.
Strengthen patient-centered research methodologies.
Generate findings applicable across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

Priority Areas

Applicants may submit projects under one of two priority categories.

Category 1: Development and Validation of Engagement Measures

This category supports projects that develop or validate tools and measures that assess:

Structure of engagement.
Context of engagement.
Engagement processes.
Outcomes of engagement.
Quality and effectiveness of stakeholder participation.

Projects should produce reliable, valid, and broadly applicable engagement measures.

Category 2: Testing Engagement Methods

This category supports studies that evaluate engagement approaches used throughout the research process.

Projects may examine:

Strategies for involving patients and caregivers.
Methods for engaging clinicians and healthcare organizations.
Community engagement approaches.
Decision-making models.
Partnership approaches.
Techniques that improve meaningful participation throughout research.

Funding Information

Category 1

Maximum Direct Costs: US$1,000,000
Maximum Project Period: 2 years

Category 2

Maximum Direct Costs: US$1,500,000
Maximum Project Period: 3 years

All funded teams must participate in the Science of Engagement Learning Network, which promotes collaboration, peer learning, and knowledge sharing among award recipients.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Academic research institutions.
Colleges and universities.
Nonprofit research organizations.
For-profit research organizations.
Government agencies.
Other eligible research organizations.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations may apply if they:

Demonstrate clear relevance to U.S. healthcare.
Show benefits for U.S. patients.
Include U.S. patients and stakeholders in engagement activities.

Eligible Research Requirements

Projects should:

Address important gaps in engagement science.
Be based on appropriate theoretical or conceptual frameworks.
Produce findings applicable across multiple research settings.
Include meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout the project.
Advance evidence-based engagement practices.
Support patient-centered comparative effectiveness research where appropriate.

Required Partnership Expectations

Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research, including:

Representative stakeholder involvement.
Early engagement during project planning.
Continuous engagement throughout the research process.
Dedicated funding for engagement activities.
Capacity building for partners.
Shared decision-making.
Ongoing evaluation of engagement quality and effectiveness.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the PCORI Connect portal.

The application process includes:

Review the funding announcement.
Confirm organizational eligibility.
Develop a research proposal aligned with one funding category.
Prepare and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI).
Await invitation to submit a full application.
Submit the complete application if invited.
Participate in the review process.

Only responsive LOIs will be invited to the full application stage.

Why This Funding Matters

Meaningful engagement of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities leads to more relevant, inclusive, and impactful health research. However, there is limited evidence regarding the most effective engagement methods.

This funding opportunity seeks to establish stronger scientific evidence that can improve stakeholder engagement across future research studies and ultimately enhance healthcare decision-making and patient outcomes.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly identify the engagement gap your project addresses.
Use established theoretical or conceptual frameworks.
Include diverse stakeholder groups.
Demonstrate meaningful partnership throughout the project.
Develop measurable engagement outcomes.
Ensure methods are applicable across multiple research settings.
Align the proposal with PCORI Methodology Standards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak stakeholder engagement plans.
Poorly defined engagement outcomes.
Lack of theoretical framework.
Limited representation of patients or caregivers.
Proposals with narrow applicability.
Inadequate evaluation methods.
Failure to address PCORI partnership expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The program supports research that improves the science of stakeholder engagement by developing engagement measures or testing effective engagement methods.

How many funding categories are available?

There are two funding categories: one for developing or validating engagement measures and another for testing engagement methods.

What is the maximum funding available?

Category 1 provides up to US$1 million, while Category 2 provides up to US$1.5 million in direct costs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include universities, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit research organizations, government agencies, and other eligible research institutions. Individuals cannot apply.

What is the first application deadline?

Letters of Intent (LOIs) must be submitted by September 9, 2026.

Are foreign organizations eligible?

Yes. Foreign organizations may apply if their research is relevant to U.S. healthcare and includes meaningful engagement of U.S. patients and stakeholders.

Are funded teams required to participate in additional activities?

Yes. All award recipients must participate in the Science of Engagement Learning Network to facilitate collaboration and shared learning.

Conclusion

The PCORI Science of Engagement Research Funding Opportunity represents a significant investment in strengthening the evidence base for stakeholder engagement in health research. By supporting projects that develop robust engagement measures and evaluate effective engagement methods, PCORI aims to improve the quality, inclusiveness, and impact of patient-centered research while establishing stronger standards for meaningful partnerships across the healthcare research community.