Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 3 2026
PCORI's Broad Pragmatic Studies Cycle 3 2026 funds patient-centered comparative effectiveness research on high-priority health issues with robust patient and stakeholder engagement.
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | January 12, 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $12 million direct costs per project; project period up to 5 years; total program up to $120 million
Summary: Supports high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research focused on priority health conditions and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Key Information: Requires a Letter of Intent and alignment with PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research.
Description
This opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects that address important health questions and empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to make informed health decisions. The Cycle 3 2026 Broad Pragmatic Studies funding announcement emphasizes robust study designs (such as randomized controlled trials), meaningful inclusion of patients and stakeholders throughout the research process, and a focus on generating evidence that is directly useful to healthcare decision-making.
For this funding cycle, PCORI places special emphasis on research proposals in the following areas:
- Mental health and substance use outcomes for pregnant and postpartum populations
- Post-treatment, follow-up care for cancer survivors
- Diabetes prevention, care, and treatment
- Management of neuropathic pain
- Pain management in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Applicants are expected to propose studies that compare at least two available interventions or healthcare delivery strategies, with an emphasis on outcomes important to patients. Engagement of patient and community partners in all phases of research is required, guided by PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research.
