Advancing the Science of Engagement in Research PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 3 2026
PCORI's Advancing the Science of Engagement in Research grant funds projects to develop measures or test methods that improve stakeholder engagement in health research.
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (LOI) | January 12, 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1M (direct costs, 2 years) for measurement projects; up to $1.5M (direct costs, 3 years) for developing/testing engagement methods; total funds available: ~$36M.
Summary: Supports research to develop and validate measures or test methods that advance the science of engagement in health research.
Key Information: Only organizations (not individuals) may apply; projects focused on engagement in research, not clinical care or recruitment.
Description
This funding opportunity, offered by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), aims to expand the evidence base on engagement in research by supporting studies that develop and validate measures of engagement or rigorously test methods for engaging partners throughout the research lifecycle. The initiative focuses on understanding and improving the structure, context, process, and outcomes of engagement, and seeks to clarify which engagement strategies are most effective, for whom, and under what circumstances. Projects must address one or both of the following areas:
- Category 1: Development and validation of measures to capture aspects of engagement in research (structure, context, process, outcomes).
- Category 2: Testing engagement methods to generate evidence about effective approaches for engaging stakeholders in research, including how effectiveness varies by context.
PCORI emphasizes meaningful partnership with patients and stakeholders in research, and expects funded projects to be conducted in real-world settings and to address its Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research.
