George M. O’Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers Program (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

The George M. O'Brien Urology Cooperative Research Centers Program (RFA-DK-28-314) is a Notice of Funding Opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health under the Department of Health and Human Services. This program supports the continuation of multi-disciplinary research centers that serve as national resources for the urology research community, specifically focusing on non-cancer genitourinary diseases and disorders. The initiative aims to bridge gaps in basic science, improve diagnostic testing, and enhance patient characterization through a combination of research projects, an administrative core, and optional biomedical research cores. A viable center must include at least three meritorious components, such as three research projects or two research projects and one biomedical research core. The program provides total funding of 5.2 million dollars, with an expected five awards and an award ceiling of 750,000 dollars in direct costs per year for a maximum project period of five years. Applications are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, focusing on significance, investigator expertise, innovation, approach, and the quality of the research environment. Key requirements include the establishment of an Educational Enrichment Program for junior scientists, the implementation of External Advisory Committees, and strict adherence to human subject protections and data safety monitoring policies. Eligible applicants include small businesses and other for-profit organizations, all of which must maintain active registrations in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov.