Addressing Sensory Health Needs Across the Lifespan PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 2 2026
PCORI funds large-scale comparative research to improve care and outcomes for people with sensory health conditions, emphasizing patient-centeredness, disparities, and robust study designs.
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Due Dates: April 28, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | September 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12 million direct costs per award; project period up to 5 years; total funds available up to $60 million.
Summary: Supports large-scale, patient-centered comparative effectiveness research to improve care and health outcomes for individuals with sensory health conditions across the lifespan.
Key Information: Individuals may not apply as PI; only one LOI per PI per cycle is allowed.
Description
This Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) opportunity seeks high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects that address critical evidence gaps and decisional dilemmas for individuals with sensory health conditions. Sensory health includes conditions affecting vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, proprioception, vestibular, interoception, and sensory processing, impacting communication, mobility, orientation, balance, and access to information throughout the lifespan.
PCORI is particularly interested in projects that address disparities in access, care quality, and outcomes, especially among underserved populations. The program encourages research that advances screening and early detection, improves treatment and care coordination, and enhances support services to address mental health and stigma for people with sensory health needs. Projects should involve robust study designs, meaningful engagement of patients and stakeholders, and focus on outcomes that are clinically significant and important to patients, families, and care partners.
