National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI) (P50 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA HD 21 012

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA HD 21 012

The National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI) funding opportunity (RFA HD 21 012) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services grant announcement that supports the re-competition of a small number of specialized, multi-component research centers focused on human reproduction and infertility. The program uses the Specialized Research Center (P50) mechanism, which is designed for coordinated center-based efforts rather than single, stand-alone projects. The central idea is translational research in both directions: moving basic laboratory discoveries toward clinical applications and, just as importantly, bringing clinical observations and unmet patient needs back to the laboratory to guide mechanistic and technological innovation. In practical terms, the FOA is aimed at building a national network of centers that can collaborate, share expertise and resources, and speed up the pace at which research insights turn into improvements in reproductive health outcomes.

This opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health-related activity area (CFDA 93.865). It is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," which generally indicates that an applicant center may propose clinical trials if they are scientifically appropriate to the center's translational aims, but a clinical trial is not required to be responsive. The program emphasis is on research excellence and innovation that can plausibly change clinical practice or meaningfully advance the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of infertility and other reproductive health conditions. Because it is a center program, applicants typically need to demonstrate not only strong individual science, but also a coherent strategy for integrating multiple projects, cores, and shared resources into a single, synergistic translational enterprise.

Funding details in the source information indicate an award ceiling of $1,000,000 (commonly interpreted as a maximum annual direct cost level, though applicants normally confirm the exact budgeting rules in the full FOA text). The NIH expected to make approximately two awards under this competition, reinforcing that it is a selective program intended for a small number of high-capacity, high-impact centers. The original posting date is listed as December 4, 2019, with an original closing date of March 31, 2020, which places the competition in that timeframe; prospective applicants today would need to check NIH listings to see whether there is a current reissue or related active announcement.

Eligibility is intentionally broad and includes many organization types that can support complex biomedical research infrastructure. Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education institutions), for-profit organizations (including small businesses and other than small businesses), and a range of government entities (state, county, city/township, special districts), as well as independent school districts. The FOA also allows participation by Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), plus public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. This breadth reflects the reality that translational reproductive research can be housed in universities, academic medical centers, research institutes, hospitals, and certain private-sector or hybrid settings, provided they can assemble the scientific leadership, clinical interface, and administrative structure expected of a P50 center.

Overall, the NCTRI program is meant to create a coordinated national platform for translational reproduction and infertility research, where centers operate as interconnected hubs that bridge bench science and patient-oriented work. The program is structured to promote faster iteration between discovery and clinical insight, encourage innovative approaches that could shift standards of care, and ultimately improve human reproductive health by leveraging the organizational advantages of a center model: shared cores, integrated research projects, collaborative governance, and a clear translational pipeline from mechanistic understanding to real-world clinical benefit.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health in the health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI) (P50 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.865.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 04, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 31, 2020. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for RFA HD 21 012

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: