Physician Investigator Research Award Program
Seed funding for Michigan physicians to conduct innovative research on urgent health issues, health inequities, and improvements in health care access, quality, and cost.
Funder: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (Full application, Summer 2026) | October 28, 2026 (Concept paper, Winter 2027) | February 3, 2027 (Concept paper, Spring 2027) | May 26, 2027 (Concept paper, Summer 2027) | January 6, 2027 (Full application, Winter 2027) | April 14, 2027 (Full application, Spring 2027) | August 4, 2027 (Full application, Summer 2027)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per award; typically for pilot, feasibility, or small-scale research projects.
Summary: Supports Michigan physicians conducting innovative research addressing urgent health issues, health inequities, and health care access, quality, and cost.
Key Information: Concept paper required; only ~20% of concept papers are invited to submit a full proposal.
Description
The Physician Investigator Research Award Program provides seed funding to Michigan-based physicians to conduct innovative, evidence-based research projects focused on urgent health issues, health inequities, social determinants of health, and improvements in health care access, quality, and cost. The program is designed to support pilot studies, feasibility studies, and small-scale research projects that demonstrate significance, innovation, and potential for impact on population health and health equity. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal narrative if invited, including background, hypothesis, research design, expected outcomes, and relevance to health equity.
