IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) (P20 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 20 102

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the INBRE program (PAR-20-102)?

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program (PAR-20-102) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). It supports statewide or multi-institution biomedical research networks intended to build and strengthen long-term research capacity in IDeA-eligible states and jurisdictions.

Which NIH institute administers this opportunity?

This opportunity is administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) within the NIH.

What type of grant mechanism is used for INBRE?

INBRE uses the P20 center-type mechanism.

Is a clinical trial required under this opportunity?

No. The opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which means clinical trials may be proposed when appropriate, but a clinical trial is not required.

What is the main goal of INBRE funding?

The overarching goal is capacity-building: growing sustainable biomedical research infrastructure, expanding competitive research programs, and developing the biomedical workforce in IDeA-eligible states and jurisdictions.

Is INBRE meant to fund a single research study?

Not primarily. The intent is to build and strengthen long-term research capacity across a network, rather than simply financing one standalone research study.

What is an INBRE "network" in practical terms?

INBRE supports statewide (or multi-institution) research networks anchored by a lead organization and designed to connect research-intensive institutions with partner institutions. The network structure helps smaller or teaching-focused campuses participate in biomedical research through mentorship, shared facilities, research experiences, and coordinated support.

What kind of organization typically serves as the lead organization?

The lead organization is expected to be research-capable and typically awards doctoral degrees in health sciences or health-related fields, or it may be an independent biomedical research institute with an active federally funded research base.

What types of partner institutions can be included in an INBRE network?

INBRE networks are expected to connect research-intensive institutions with partners such as primarily undergraduate institutions, community colleges, and, where appropriate, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Why does INBRE emphasize collaboration and networking?

By organizing resources within a network, INBRE aims to reduce isolation of investigators at smaller institutions, broaden participation in biomedical research, and help partner institutions become more competitive for independent NIH funding over time.

What activities are commonly supported by INBRE awards?

Commonly supported activities include developing shared research cores and access to instrumentation, strengthening grant development and research administration, supporting faculty development and mentorship, and creating research opportunities for students and early-stage investigators.

Does the opportunity specify requirements for governance, evaluation, or reporting?

The provided information indicates that applicants should consult the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for complete details, including any program-specific requirements for network organization, governance, evaluation, and reporting.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants are U.S.-based organizations located in IDeA-eligible states and jurisdictions. Eligible organization types include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and certain nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), as specified in the announcement).

Are specific institution categories called out as potentially eligible?

Yes. The announcement explicitly identifies several categories of institutions that may be eligible when they meet program requirements and are located in eligible jurisdictions, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Can foreign institutions apply?

No. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply under this opportunity.

Are foreign components or non-U.S. components allowed?

No. Foreign components are not permitted, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not allowed under this opportunity.

What is the funding category and assistance listing information provided?

Administratively, this is described as a discretionary grant in the health funding category, with CFDA 93.859.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on January 29, 2020.

What is the closing date shown in the provided information?

The listed original closing date in the provided source data is May 20, 2022.

Does the provided information include an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The source data described does not provide an award ceiling or an expected number of awards.

Where should applicants look for full budget details, allowable costs, and review criteria?

Applicants are directed to the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for complete details on allowable costs, budget structure, application components, review criteria, and program-specific requirements.

What is the core workforce focus of INBRE?

INBRE emphasizes developing the biomedical workforce by supporting research opportunities and development pathways for students and early-stage investigators across the network.