PCORI Funding

Partnering Research & Community Organizations for Comparative CER Across Cancer Care Continuum

New Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funding opportunity: Up to $12 million in direct costs for comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects led by researcher and community partnerships to focus on advancing care and outcomes across different phases of the cancer care continuum. The research projects can have a duration of up to five years.  For studies proposing powered outcomes at or beyond 24 months, up to $13 million and up to six years may be considered.

Studies should:

• Comprise individual-level or cluster-randomized controlled trials
• Include dual principal investigators (PIs)—one PI from a research organization and one from a community organization—to address research questions or decisional dilemmas currently faced by the communities participating in the study
• Ensure that the two dual PIs from the research and community organizations must have previously collaborated with each other on research and/or health initiatives.

PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAEs),

• Addressing barriers to recommended cancer screening and timely follow-up in the general population and among individuals at high risk of cancer
• Improving the delivery of patient-centered, evidence-based care during cancer treatment
• Addressing the post-treatment, follow-up care needs of cancer survivors

Highlights

• Total direct funding: Up to $12 million, (Up to $13 million in direct costs may be    considered for studies proposing powered outcomes at or beyond 24 months)
• Total allocated for this PFA: Up to $60 million
• Maximum project period: 5 years (up to six years may be considered for studies proposing powered outcomes at or beyond 24 months)
• December 2 – Application opens
• December 9 – Town Hall
• January 6, 2026 – Letters of Intent due

How to Apply

To apply for this funding opportunity, there are four steps you must follow.

• Read the full funding announcement, available online.
• Follow the process outlined in the submission instructions.
• Submit a Letter of Intent using the template on the application page.
• Submit an application (if invited).

Important Dates

December 2 – Applications open
December 9 – Town Hall
January 6, 2026 – Letters of Intent due
February 3, 2026 – LOI status notification
May 5, 2026 – Applications due
July 2026 – Merit review
November 2026 – Awards announced
March 2027 – Earliest start date

Harvard Catalyst PCORI Consultation

For more information or to request a brief consultation, please contact Leslie MacGregor, PCORI Funding Specialist: Leslie_MacGregor@hms.harvard.edu