Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Clinical Research Challenge
Advancing the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Clinical Research Challenge supports teams and organizations with proven approaches to improve disability inclusion and participation in clinical research.
Funder: NIH Challenges
Due Dates: January 5, 2027, 5:00 PM ET (Early review) | January 15, 2027, 5:00 PM ET (Final submission)
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000 total prize purse; anticipated $50,000 prizes for up to 20 winners
Summary: Recognizes implemented approaches that improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in clinical research.
Key Information: Submissions must include resources suitable for public dissemination and grant NIH nonexclusive use and dissemination licenses.
Description
This NIH prize challenge identifies, recognizes, and disseminates effective, practical approaches to including people with disabilities in clinical research. It is led by the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives (DPCPSI), through its Disability Health Research Program, in partnership with NIH institutes and offices. The challenge supports implementation of the NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research FY26–FY30.
Approaches may address restrictive eligibility criteria, inaccessible study procedures or materials, informed consent, reasonable accommodations, and communication barriers. NIH seeks evidence of improved recruitment, accommodation, participation, experience, or retention, alongside meaningful involvement of people with disabilities. Inclusion extends from study planning and design through communication of results. Winning protocols, toolkits, training materials, and other resources will be publicly disseminated to encourage adoption across clinical research settings.
