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Announcements Good News! Funding Opportunities Upcoming Seminars & Events Open Research Positions Research Resources
July 28, 2026 
 
Announcements
 
REMINDER  
 
Database for UC Irvine School of Medicine Researcher Sharing - Cell Lines, Antibodies and Mouse Strains
Would you like to use a new antibody, cell line, or mouse strain but expense is a barrier? The database for laboratory resources, specifically antibodies, cell lines, and mouse strains, is live at UC Irvine School of Medicine - Research Resources. You can see what is available and submit resources that your lab has available. The website is UCInetID-protected. If you need help with entering data, contact the Research Development Unit
 
 
NEW  
 
Understanding NIH's Unified Funding Strategy: What the Research Community Needs to Know
This panel discussion with several NIH directors is intended to clarify NIH’s Unified Funding Strategy’s rationale, goals, and implementation, and address misconceptions.

Friday, Aug. 14, 7 to 8 a.m. PT 
 
 
NEW  
 
Recently Announced NIH Highlighted Topics
Consider NIH’s centralized list of highlighted topics for your next investigator-initiated grant application. Each topic represents a selected research priority area within one or more NIH Institutes, centers or offices (ICOs) that may or may not have dedicated funding.

 
 
NEW  
 
Using Grants.gov to Subscribe to Opportunities and Create Searches
Since some grants are forecasted and then not posted for months, it is useful to subscribe to the opportunity to receive updates.  You can also create searches. You would use a Login.gov account; if you already have a Grants.gov username and password, you will be prompted to link your Grants.gov account to a Login.gov account. Get started at Grants.gov.
 
 
School of Medicine Dean's Research Council Meeting
School of Medicine Dean Michael J. Stamos, MD, and Associate Dean for Research Administration William E. Bunney, MD, invite you to attend this quarterly meeting featuring two distinguished research presentations:

An Experimental Journey from Replication Mechanisms to Novel mRNA Vaccines for RNA Viruses, by Bert Semler, PhD, Distinguished Professor, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Center for Virus Research, UC Irvine School of Medicine 

Steps Towards Whole Eye Transplantation — Is There a Role for Electric Fields?, by Kimberly Gokoffski, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, UC Irvine School of Medicine

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 5 to 6 p.m. PT
Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 968 2620 4626 | Passcode: 109533
Join Zoom
 
 
Physician Scientist Pathways Certificate Course Accepting Applications
UC Irvine School of Medicine is currently accepting applications for the 2026 Physician Scientist Pathways Certificate course. This course will prepare physician-scientists to combine their clinical knowledge with skills in scientific investigation. The School of Medicine strives to advance individual and population health; this foundational certificate course will equip physician-scientists with the basic knowledge needed to address their research questions. There is no tuition fee to participate in the course. Applications are due Aug. 21, 2026
 
 
Call for Applications: School of Medicine Clinical Trialist Training Program
The UC Irvine School of Medicine Clinical Trialist Training Program is accepting applications for its next cohort. Applications are available on the website with a deadline of Sept. 15. Designed for physicians interested in clinical research, this two-year program provides coursework, mentorship and program support to help participants design, conduct and manage clinical trials. 

Program Highlights:
  • Mentorship from an experienced clinical trialist
  • Participation in a structured clinical trials curriculum
  • Program-supported professional development opportunities

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an informational Zoom session to learn more about the program, application process and what to expect.

Info Session
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 1 to 2 p.m. 
Via Zoom
Register
 
 
FOR FACULTY
 
Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) & Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) UC Irvine Internal Applicant Call
The UC Irvine School of Medicine Dean’s Office is requesting internal applicants for the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) and Executive Leadership in Health Care (ELH) programs, offered by Drexel University College of Medicine, for leaders in academic medicine or healthcare for the 2027–28 cycle. Learn more about eligibility and the UC Irvine internal application process. Internal applications are due Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, to Nadine Achkar
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Good News!
 
Geoffrey W. Abbott, PhD (Physiology & Biophysics), has received an NIH R01 subaward on the project "Decoding the Structure, Function and Pharmacology of TOK Channels from Human-Pathogenic Fungi," led by Alexandria Miller, PhD, University of Iowa. This collaborative research will investigate fungal-specific potassium channels as potential targets for new antifungal therapies, with the goal of advancing treatments for drug-resistant fungal infections while minimizing effects on human cells.

Do you or someone on your team have research-related good news to report (e.g., research funding/award, publication, other accolade)? We would like to know! Please fill out this short Good News submission form.
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Funding Opportunities
 
Find funding opportunities for trainees, postdocs and early career faculty, and all faculty. For more funding opportunities and resources to help in your funding search, visit the Funding Opportunities page

The Research Development Unit (RDU) has created lists of intramural funding opportunities and foundation funding opportunities. If you have additional opportunities that should be included, contact the RDU.

Considering applying for a Limited Funding Opportunity? Typically, you submit a pre-proposal to the Office of Research via UCI Review. If the opportunity is not listed, contact the RDU.
 
 

Postdocs & Early Career Faculty Funding Opportunities

Beckman Young Investigator Program

The Beckman Young Investigator (BYI) Program provides $600K over four years for young investigators who are conducting basic research in the chemical or life sciences that is innovative and high risk, and which would foster the invention of methods, instruments and materials that will open new avenues of research. The proposed project should represent a departure from current research directions rather than an extension or expansion of existing programs. The foundation does not support clinical research, clinical trials, or single target drug discovery projects.

Letter of Interest Deadline: July 31, 2026
Learn More
 
 
NIH Director's New Innovator Award
The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2- RFA-RM-27-002) supports early-stage investigators of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative research projects with potential for major impact across the biomedical sciences. Applications are welcome in any area of the biomedical sciences. No preliminary data are required. Instead, the review process emphasizes the investigator's creativity, the innovativeness of the approach, and the project's potential impact.

Deadline: Aug. 17, 2026
 
 
Hewitt Foundation for Biomedical Research
The Hewitt Foundation for Biomedical Research supports outstanding mentors and postdoctoral fellows. In addition to the Salk Institute and the Scripps Research Institute, the foundation offers positions to mentors and fellows in the Schools of Medicine, Biological Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences at UC Irvine. It aims to nurture the next generation of biomedical research leaders.

Applications are accepted from mentors only on behalf of potential fellows. Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for three years, carry yearly stipends of $72k, $74k and $76k. In addition, a yearly allocation of $15k is made to the fellow's sponsoring laboratory to cover health insurance, travel to scientific meetings, and to partially support their research expenses.

Learn more about eligibility criteria and application requirements in the call for applications for the Hewitt Foundation Fellowship
 
Deadline: Sept. 1, 2026
 
 
Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2027 Career Development Research Grants
Applications open on Oct. 1, 2026, and are due Jan. 9, 2027.

2027 ANRF grants include:
  • Arthritis and Related Autoimmune Disease Research Grant – For MD and/or PhD researchers approaching independence or in the early years of leading their own research program. Focuses on basic studies, or clinical studies with a translational component.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis Research Grant – For MD and/or PhD researchers studying psoriatic arthritis or related mechanisms. Supports basic studies, or clinical studies with a translational component.
  • Postdoctoral Physician Scientist Fellowship – For MD or MD/PhD investigators currently in, or who have recently completed, an ACGME-accredited rheumatology fellowship. Projects should be independently developed and may be basic or clinical research.
  • Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Joint and Skin Disease Research Grant – For MD and/or PhD researchers within seven years of their most recent stage of training. Focuses on pediatric skin and joint disease, with strong mentorship support. Offered in collaboration with PeDRA.
 
For more about this opportunity, contact Kathleen Lago, School of Medicine Director of Development, UCI Health Advancement. 
 
 

All Faculty Funding Opportunities



Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center Seed Grants

The Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center is soliciting applications for three seed grants of up to $50,000 each to support new and innovative research in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Projects should generate preliminary data that can strengthen future extramural funding applications. Awarded projects must include use of SCRC core services and shared resources as a required component. Additional program and eligibility details, and application materials are available through the Call for SCRC Seed Grants announcement and application site.

Deadline: Sept. 1, 2026
 
 
NIH Director's Transformative Research Award for Individual and Group Science
This award (R01- RFA-RM-27-003) supports individual scientists or groups of scientists proposing bold, groundbreaking and unconventional research with the potential to create new scientific paradigms, establish new clinical approaches, or develop transformative technologies. Applications are welcome in any area of the biomedical sciences. No preliminary data are required, but projects must demonstrate a compelling potential for major impact based on the strength of their logic.

Deadline: Sept. 3, 2026
 
 
NIH Director's Pioneer Award
This award (DP1-RFA-RM-27-001) supports individual scientists of exceptional creativity who propose bold and highly innovative research projects with the potential to produce major impact on broad areas relevant to the NIH mission. To be considered pioneering, the proposed research must reflect substantially different scientific directions from those already being pursued in the investigator's research program or elsewhere. Applications are welcome across all NIH-relevant topics.

Deadline: Sept. 9, 2026
 
 
UC Irvine NIAMS P30 Skin Biology Resource-based Center Seed Grants
The UC Irvine NIAMS P30 Skin Biology Resource-based Center is inviting applications for three seed grants of up to $40,000 each to support new and innovative skin research projects within the NIAMS mission. The program is intended to help investigators generate preliminary data and advance projects to a stage where they are competitive for future extramural funding, particularly NIH support. Additional program and eligibility details, and application materials are available through the P30 Skin Center Seed Grant announcement and application site.

Deadline: Sept. 14, 2026
 
 
Forecasted: Translational Centers Using Microphysiologic Systems for Infectious Diseases (RFA-AI-28-012)
This program will support the development of human microphysiologic systems (MPS) for infectious disease research and the development of therapeutics or biological products. MPS are in vitro platforms of cells or tissues maintained in microenvironments designed to mimic in vivo tissue or organ function. While MPS development has expanded across NIH and FDA regulatory pathways to reduce animal use, application to infectious diseases and product development has lagged. Approximately five cooperative agreement awards are anticipated, with total estimated program funding of $7 million. Learn more about this NIH opportunity
 
 
Forecasted: Precision and Systems Biology to Uncover the Link Between Chronic and Infectious Diseases (RFA-IA-28-014)
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is anticipated to solicit applications for a new consortium-based initiative that uses precision systems biology approaches to uncover links among chronic illnesses, infectious diseases and microbiomes. The initiative is expected to support research addressing how infections may lead to chronic lifelong health issues and how long-term illnesses might predispose individuals to or exacerbate acute infections. Learn more about this NIAID opportunity
 
 
Forecasted: NCI Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33-RFA-CA-28-002)
NCI is anticipated to solicit applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on further development and validation of emerging technologies for cancer research or clinical care, specifically applications where major feasibility gaps for the technology or methodology have been overcome, as demonstrated with supportive preliminary data, but still requires further development, enhancements, optimizations, and rigorous technical validation to encourage adoption by the research community. Learn more about this grant opportunity
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Upcoming Seminars & Events
 
UC Irvine Center for Neuropolitics Lecture Series
The Hostility Habit: How Partisan Expectations Shape Political Conflict, by Alexa Bankert, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Georgia. Lecture hosted by the UC Irvine Center for Neuropolitics. Register today for this FREE, virtual lecture!

Friday, July 31, Noon to 1:15 p.m. PT
Via Zoom 

Register
 
 
NIH Grant Proposal Workshop for Investigators at All Career Stages
This workshop, associated with the UC Irvine Center for Neural Circuit Mapping's 2026 Conference on “Neural Circuits in Health & Disease,” is designed for investigators at all career stages, with a focus on early-stage and junior investigators. A panel of NIH Program Officers and UCI faculty will provide career-focused guidance with topics including NIH funding mechanisms, peer-review expectations, common pitfalls in grant applications, and effective strategies for engaging with NIH programs. All discussions will be grounded in NIH policies, funding announcements, and review practices. There is a nominal registration fee.

Monday, Aug. 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
Location: Irvine Marriott, Irvine, Calif. (CNCM Main Conference Venue)

Parking: $20
Register
 
 
Rady Children's Health and UC Irvine Distinguished Lecture Series
Leveraging AI to Transform Evidence Generation in Gene and Cell Therapies, by Mohamed Abou-el Enein, MD, PhD, MSPH, Associate Professor, Medicine (Oncology), Pediatrics, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC; Executive Director, USC/CHLA Cell Therapy Program

Wednesday, Aug. 19, Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Via Zoom

Register
 
 
Viral Targeting Reagents for Mammalian Brain Neural Circuit Analysis
Hosted by the UC Irvine Center for Neural Circuit Mapping Viral Core & Vector Builder 

This workshop is free and open to all those registered for the 2026 CNCM Conference. Individuals who are not registered for the main conference may attend for a nominal fee. Please register by Aug. 14.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building (FLFMIB), Room 2200
Register
 
 
Harnessing the Potential of Spatial Transcriptomics
Hosted by UC Irvine Center for Neural Circuit Mapping & VIZGEN

This workshop is free and open to all those registered for the 2026 CNCM Conference. Individuals who are not registered for the main conference may attend for a nominal fee. Please register by Aug. 14.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Location: Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building (FLFMIB), Room 2200
Register
 
 
Grand Rounds and CME Symposia
For Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, view the weekly Grand Rounds & CME Symposia email.
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Open Research Positions
 
Do you have an open research-related position you would also like announced in Research Insider? Please fill out this form to have your open position listed.
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Research Resources
 
NIH  
 
New Funding Opportunities and Topic Ideas
Check these resources often for the latest from NIH:  
 
 
OFFICE OF RESEARCH  
 
Sign up for the Office of Research Listserv & Keep Updated
To keep up to date with the latest updates from the Office of Research amidst all of the federal funding changes, be sure to subscribe to the CG-News listserv. You can sign up by sending a blank email to: cg-news+subscribe@uci.edu. Also, bookmark the Office of Research Impact of Federal Executive Orders and Directives on Federal Grants and Contracts.
 
 
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RDU  
 
What kind of grant support does the School of Medicine Research Development Unit provide?
 
 
What kind of grant support does the RDU provide to Physician Scientists?
Along with the general grant support the RDU provides (outlined above), there are multiple programs available outlined on the Physician Scientist Resources page
  • Physician Scientist Collective: Monthly seminar series with visiting speakers
  • Physician Scientist Pathways Certificate Course: Six-week, 12-hour hybrid course that introduces clinicians to research pathways
  • Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP): Helps physician scientists apply for their first K award
  • Dean’s K Scholar: Provides awardees the protected time and mentorship needed to obtain NIH K/ equivalent funding
  • Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP): Supports junior faculty on externally funded clinical trials through a 2-year partnership program with senior investigators already running clinical trials

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