Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 2 2026
PCORI funds large-scale, patient-centered comparative effectiveness research to generate real-world evidence on healthcare interventions, with emphasis on diabetes, obesity, pelvic pain, and sickle cell disease.
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 project (max 5 years); total program funding up to $120 million.
Summary: Supports large-scale, patient-centered comparative effectiveness research to answer impactful health questions with real-world relevance and strong stakeholder engagement.
Key Information: LOI required; only invited applicants may submit a full application.
Description
This opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funds high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. The program is designed to generate evidence that helps patients, caregivers, clinicians, and healthcare systems make informed decisions about healthcare options by comparing the benefits and harms of two or more interventions, services, or care strategies. PCORI emphasizes meaningful engagement with patients and other stakeholders throughout the research process to ensure relevance and utility for real-world healthcare decisions.
For the 2026 cycle, PCORI highlights four special areas of emphasis (SAEs): diabetes prevention and care, obesity interventions, management of urogynecological and pelvic pain, and pain management for individuals with sickle cell disease. However, applications on other impactful CER topics are also welcomed. Projects may include randomized controlled trials (individual or cluster), natural experiments, or well-designed observational studies, and may leverage PCORnet® for national-scale research.
