Feasibility Studies to Inform the Design of Future Clinical Trials
NIH will soon fund feasibility studies needed to plan future clinical trials, aiming to improve trial design, recruitment, and methods for greater public health impact.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Not yet specified; award ceiling and floor not announced (forecasted opportunity).
Summary: Supports feasibility studies necessary to inform the design and planning of future definitive clinical trials with significant public health impact.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being solicited.
Description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) intends to launch a funding opportunity for feasibility studies that will inform the design and conduct of future definitive clinical trials. These studies are expected to address scientific questions critical for planning subsequent efficacy, effectiveness, pragmatic, dissemination, and/or implementation trials (typically phase II or later).
Proposed research should demonstrate a clear scientific necessity for feasibility work, such as evaluating recruitment, retention, randomization, intervention delivery, data collection, adherence, acceptability, or developing/adapting intervention components or protocols. Studies may utilize mixed methods and feasibility clinical trials, with the goal of enhancing the rigor and reproducibility of future trial methodologies. The ultimate aim is to enable future trials that have the potential for significant public health impact.
This is a forecasted opportunity; NIH is providing this notice to allow potential applicants ample time to develop collaborations and prepare responsive projects. Investigators with expertise in clinical trial planning, design, implementation, intervention development, and/or stakeholder engagement are encouraged to consider this upcoming NOFO.
