Improving Methods for Conducting Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research PCORI Funding Announcement -- Cycle 2 2026
PCORI funds research to improve methods in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on measurement, real-world data, AI/ML, and study design.
Funder: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Due Dates: April 28, 2026 (LOI) | September 1, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 direct costs per project (max 3 years); total program up to $12 million.
Summary: Supports research to improve methods in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on measurement, real-world data, AI/ML, and study design.
Key Information: Only one LOI per PI/Dual-PI per cycle; individuals may not apply directly.
Description
This opportunity funds studies addressing high-priority methodological gaps in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). The focus is on advancing or improving methods in four areas: patient-centered measurement, the use of real-world data (RWD) in multi-site CER, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and study design in patient-centered CER. PCORI emphasizes meaningful engagement of patients and stakeholders throughout the research process and encourages, but does not require, the use of resources such as the Patient-Centered Outcomes Data Repository (PCODR).
Projects may include methodological innovations, evaluations, or refinements that strengthen the design, conduct, and analysis of CER studies, ultimately improving the quality and utility of evidence for healthcare decision-making.
