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| 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 this Friday, Aug. 21.
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| NIH Launches Bio Genesis Mission to Accelerate AI-Driven Biomedical Discovery |
| NIH has launched the Bio Genesis Mission, a major initiative aimed at doubling the pace of biomedical innovation, from scientific discovery to health impact, within the next five to 10 years. As part of the broader federal Genesis Mission, the effort will leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing and public-private partnerships to accelerate biomedical research and improve health outcomes.
The initiative focuses on six priority areas:
- Predicting complex biological systems using AI
- Advancing biomanufacturing and biotechnology innovation
- Strengthening detection of biological threats
- Accelerating pediatric cancer research
- Speeding drug discovery and clinical translation
- Investigating the root causes of chronic disease
While NIH has not yet announced specific funding opportunities tied to the initiative, the Bio Genesis Mission signals a significant federal investment in AI-enabled biomedical research and may influence future funding priorities, research infrastructure and collaborative programs.
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| NIH Replacing Letters of Support with Letters of Collaboration |
| Beginning with the implementation of Forms J in Fiscal Year 2027, NIH will replace Letters of Support (LOS) with Letters of Collaboration (LOC) as part of an effort to reduce administrative burden and streamline application requirements. This approach aligns NIH's requirements with the letter format already used by NSF, so LOCs will be used only to document a collaborator's intent to participate in the project or provide material support. Letters that simply endorse a proposal without a defined collaborative role will no longer be permitted. NIH also notes that letters should not be submitted by senior/key personnel, other significant contributors, or trainees and staff within the PI's laboratory. LOC will be limited to 100 words and should only confirm the commitment described in the application. Applications containing LOS after the Forms J implementation may be returned without review. Learn more in the NIH notice.
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| NIH Provides Implementation Update on Data Management and Sharing Plan Requirements |
| Beginning with the implementation of Forms J in Fiscal Year 2027, NIH has announced details for its updated Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan format, which will be required for all applications and awards subject to the NIH DMS Policy. The revised format is intended to standardize DMS Plans across NIH while reducing administrative burden and improving reporting efficiency. Researchers with active awards or pending applications may need to transition previously approved DMS Plans to the new format, depending on the stage of their award. NIH has also eliminated the requirement for prior approval when modifying an approved DMS Plan. Instead, investigators will report DMS Plan updates and data sharing progress through the Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). Researchers should review the transition timelines and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with upcoming implementation deadlines. Learn more in the NIH notice.
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| NIH Highlights Centralized Review Process for Fellowship, Career Development and Training Applications |
| NIH has published updated guidance to help applicants understand how fellowship (F), career development (K), and institutional training (T) applications are assigned and reviewed under its centralized peer review system. All T, K and F applications are now reviewed through Center for Scientific Review (CSR)-managed study sections, which assign applications based on both scientific area and grant mechanism.
NIH also highlighted its recurring Special Emphasis Panels (SEPs), which group applications by scientific topic and activity code and provide publicly available descriptions to help applicants better understand where their applications may be reviewed. Learn more in the NIH announcement.
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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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| Tallie Z. Baram, MD, PhD (Pediatrics), and collaborator Elizabeth Heller, PhD (University of Pennsylvania), have received a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) R01 award for their project, “Sex- and Hormone-Dependent Differences in Memory Vulnerability to Acute Traumatic Stress.” The research will investigate the biological mechanisms underlying sex- and hormone-dependent differences in vulnerability to memory disturbances following acute traumatic stress, focusing on how estrogen levels and sex-specific estrogen receptor signaling in the hippocampus contribute to persistent memory impairments. The findings may identify potential targets for promoting resilience and mitigating enduring trauma-induced memory disturbances.
Atena Zahedi, PhD (Anatomy and Neurobiology), has been selected by UCI MIND to join the Research Education Component (REC) of the UC Irvine Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). The program provides mentorship and training to early-stage investigators conducting research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Zahedi’s project, “Mitochondrial Fitness Traits (MFTs) Define a Drug Repurposing Platform for APOE4 Alzheimer’s Disease,” will investigate APOE4-related mitochondrial dysfunction and identify potential repurposed therapeutics.
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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| 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.
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| | Postdocs & Early Career Faculty Funding Opportunities | |
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Estée Lauder Epigenetics Fellowship, in honor of Paolo Sassone-Corsi
The Estée Lauder Epigenetics Fellowship supports the training of PhD graduate students who carry out groundbreaking research in epigenetics and the molecular mechanisms underlying human disorders/diseases. Research that seeks to establish new paradigms, develop innovative new technology and/or methodology, remove roadblocks that restrict progress in the epigenetics or metabolism fields, or answer intractable problems, is given priority. Each year, the Estée Lauder Epigenetics Fellowship will reward a promising graduate student and support future generations of scientists dedicating their careers to education, research and outreach.
Deadline: Aug. 28, 2026, 5 p.m. PT | |
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| | All Faculty Funding Opportunities | |
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ARPA-H Funding OpportunitiesThe goal of the Fast Assessment of Solutions, Therapeutics, Pharmaceuticals and Supplies (FASTPASS) program is to enable sampling of pharmaceutical shipments in minutes, without opening boxes, by building rapid, non-destructive screening tools that can verify drug quality and safety through packaging, in near real-time, at ports, warehouses and distribution centers. Virtual Proposer Day: Aug. 24, 2026
Registration: Required by Aug. 20, 2026, 9 a.m. PTThe goal of the Accelerating Safe Clinical Evaluation of Novel Treatments: Ibogaine for Better Outcomes in Opioid Use Disorder (ASCENT-IBO) is to expand limited treatment options for OUD. ARPA-H is exploring the promising new frontier of psychedelics and other rapid-acting neuroplastogen-based interventions, such as ketamine. These compounds may promote lasting, beneficial changes in brain function and mental health that can be useful in promoting recovery. One such compound, ibogaine, has shown early potential in anecdotal reports from medical clinics around the world, with patients reporting dramatic reductions in opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Despite this promise, no active clinical trials with the required federal authorization currently exist to rigorously study ibogaine's safety and effectiveness. Proposers’ Day: Sept. 15, 2026
Registration: Required by Sept. 7, 2026, 2 p.m. PT | |
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| 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
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| 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
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| Forecasted NIH Opportunities |
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| | | Upcoming Seminars & Events |
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| 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
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| Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience (ICAN) Seminar |
| Join the ICAN seminar featuring Jun Wang, PhD, professor in the Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University. Wang’s research focuses on understanding the brain circuitry involved in neuropsychiatric conditions, including alcohol and opioid use disorders and Alzheimer’s disease.
Thursday, Aug. 20, 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: 4201 Natural Sciences II | |
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| UCI GRT Hub and 10x Genomics Present: Xenium in Situ Data Analysis Workshop |
| Join us for a free hands-on workshop to explore the Xenium In Situ Spatial Gene Expression data analysis journey. You will:
- Cover key Xenium data analysis concepts and considerations for Xenium panel design
- Assess data quality before diving into Xenium Explorer for in-depth data exploration
- Integrate Xenium datasets for a deeper understanding of cell types
- Discuss your own individual analysis roadmap with 10x Genomics experts
Learn more about this workshop hosted by the UCI Genomics Research & Technology Hub.
Thursday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Plumwood House / Showa Denko Lecture Hall | |
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| Monthly on Mondays | Faculty Development Series |
| Global Health Engagement Initiatives, presented by Rimal Bera, MD, Hao-Hua Wu, MD, and Theresa Chin, MD. Monthly on Mondays, presented by Nimisha Parekh and Brian Cummings, Senior Associate Deans of Faculty Development, is a monthly seminar series covering a wide range of topics on faculty development.
Monday, Sept. 14, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.
Via Zoom | |
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| NIH Loan Repayment Program Workshop |
| The UC Irvine Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS) is hosting a webinar for post-doctoral scholars and early-career faculty preparing to submit applications for the 2026–27 cycle of the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP). The LRPs are a set of programs established by Congress designed to assist health professionals with repaying their educational debt who have doctoral-level degrees and are conducting biomedical, clinical or behavioral research at a minimum of 50% effort. Applicants may be eligible for up to $50,000 of loan repayment per year to repay their educational debt.
Friday, Sept. 18, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
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| Center for Neural Circuit Mapping Seminar |
| Engineering Therapeutic Delivery to the Brain and Beyond, by Nitin Joshi, PhD, Assistant Professor, Director of Basic Science Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Hosted by the UC Irvine Center for Neural Circuit Mapping.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10 to 11 a.m.
Location: Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building, Room 2200 | |
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| Grand Rounds and CME Symposia |
| | For Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, view the weekly Grand Rounds & CME Symposia email. | | Back to top | | | |
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| 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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| New Funding Opportunities and Topic Ideas |
| Check these resources often for the latest from NIH:
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| 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. | |
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| What kind of grant support does the School of Medicine Research Development Unit provide? |
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| 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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