Diabetes Research Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The Diabetes Research Centers (DRCs) program, initiated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), aims to enhance the national research effort in diabetes, its complications, and related endocrine and metabolic diseases.

The program seeks to foster collaboration among basic and clinical investigators to improve communication and effectiveness in diabetes research. By providing shared access to specialized technical resources and supporting a Pilot and Feasibility Program (P&F), DRCs are designed to achieve greater accomplishments than individual research projects could achieve alone.

The program encourages innovative approaches and diverse scientific themes while emphasizing synergies with other NIDDK-funded programs.

Grant Details
The DRC must consist of three main components: an Administrative Core (including an Enrichment Program), at least two but no more than five Biomedical Research Cores, and a Pilot and Feasibility Grant Program.

The Administrative Core will oversee DRC leadership, resource allocation, coordination of activities, and support for an External Advisory Committee. It will also facilitate collaborations among members and ensure effective utilization of core resources.

Biomedical Research Cores are intended to provide specialized technical resources that enhance research productivity in diabetes-related areas. Each core should justify its existence based on its unique contributions to the DRC's objectives. The P&F program will provide modest funding for new initiatives or feasibility studies in diabetes research, focusing on supporting early-stage investigators.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and other organizations as specified in the NOFO. Only one application per institution is allowed. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period for the grant is five years.

Grant Value
NIDDK intends to commit $10.4 million in FY 2026 and $7.7 million in FY 2027. Application budgets are limited to $1 million per year in direct costs; however, applications proposing a Regional/National Shared Research Core or expanded P&F Program may request up to $1.25 million per year.

Place of Performance
The specific geographic locations for performance must be within eligible institutions.