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| NIH Proposes Changes to Peer Review Outcome Reporting |
| NIH has issued RFI NOT-OD-26-088 seeking public feedback on proposed changes to how peer review outcomes are reported, as part of its new Unified Funding Strategy. Under the proposal, NIH would no longer release final overall impact scores or percentile rankings; instead, applications would be placed into one of three categories:
- “Most Competitive” (top 25% of final scores),
- “Competitive” (26–50%), or
- “Not Discussed” (below the top 50%).
Reviewers would continue to provide individual scores, written critiques, criterion/factor scores, and discussion summaries, but the calculated final score would be used internally only to determine the application’s category. NIH believes this approach would reduce overreliance on numerical scores, place greater emphasis on qualitative peer-review feedback, and give institutes and centers more flexibility to consider scientific merit alongside programmatic priorities, strategic plans, portfolio needs and available funding when making award decisions. Public comments on the proposed changes are due Oct. 13, 2026. | |
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| NCI to Require Animal Model Justification and Human Validation Plans in Grant Abstracts |
| Beginning with the Oct. 5, 2026, application deadline, NCI applicants will be expected to include a brief justification in the project abstract explaining why animal models are necessary and why alternative approaches would be insufficient. NCI also requests that applications include a concise description of how findings from animal studies will be validated in human-relevant models. Examples include organoids, fresh tumor samples, patient-derived xenografts, or other systems derived from human tissue. While the validation work itself may fall outside the scope of the proposed project, applicants should describe a clear path for translating findings from animal models into human biology. For more, read the Guidance on Applications for Studies with Animal Models.
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| NSF Launches $1.5 Billion Foundational Research Portfolio with Revamped BIO Core Programs |
| NSF has released new funding opportunities totaling more than $1.5 billion to support foundational research across science and engineering disciplines. The Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO CORE) includes numerous sub-programs and funds single- and multi-investigator awards. The portfolio of awards is anticipated to include a range of budgets and durations, including exploratory projects of smaller scope and long-horizon projects that benefit from longer-term commitment. Learn more about these funding opportunities on the BIO CORE website.
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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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| Congratulations to Wei Li, PhD (Biological Chemistry), on receiving an NIH/NIDDK award for the project, “NIDDK HERITAGE: Harnessing Tandem Repeats in Multi-Ancestry Metabolic Gene-Phenotype Relationships,” in collaboration with Tamer Sallam, MD, PhD (UCLA). The study will investigate how variations in DNA tandem repeats contribute to the genetics of diabetes and obesity across diverse ancestral populations, with the goal of identifying previously unrecognized genetic factors and improving our understanding of metabolic disease risk.
Congratulations to Han Tan, PhD (Anatomy & Neurobiology), on receiving a Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) Young Investigator Grant for his project, “Cell-Type-Specific Remodeling of Hypothalamic Neurons in Anxiety and Social Dysfunction.” Tan’s research will investigate how specific populations of hypothalamic neurons are remodeled in anxiety and social dysfunction, with the goal of advancing our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying brain and behavioral disorders.
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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| The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program |
| The HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program supports exceptional postdoctoral scientists who demonstrate strong potential to become independent research leaders. Beginning with the 2028 competition, the program will be combined with the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program in a single competition, with applicants reviewed according to career stage.
Eligible applicants must hold a mentored postdoctoral research position at an HHMI-eligible institution and have no more than seven years of research experience following their doctoral degree as of Dec. 15, 2026; independent research positions are not eligible. Fellows receive up to two years of salary or stipend support, additional funds for certain fellowship-related expenses, personalized professional development, and guidance during the faculty search. Application opens Nov. 3, 2026.
Award Amount: Salary or stipend commensurate with experience plus yearly funds for certain expenses; up to two years of support
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. PT | |
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| | All Faculty Funding Opportunities | |
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Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center Seed GrantsThe 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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| ARPA-H Funding Opportunities |
| The 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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| 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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| Health Professions Pathways Program: Population Health Investment (HPPP Pop HI) |
| The Health Professions Pathways Program (HPPP) is designed to recruit and support students from underrepresented regions and backgrounds to pursue careers in health professions. HPPP provides structured pathways that create early exposure, hands-on experience, and preparation for entry into health career training programs.
This is a limited opportunity in that only one team from UC Irvine may apply. A team has stepped forward and notified the Office of Research of their plan to apply. If you are planning to apply, please email the Research Development Unit immediately so that a campus-wide limited competition is arranged.
Deadline: Oct. 16, 2026, at 3 p.m.
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| Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program |
| The HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program supports outstanding early-career tenured and tenure-track faculty, including physician-scientists, who demonstrate exceptional promise as scientific leaders and inclusive mentors. Scholars become HHMI employees while maintaining their academic appointments and laboratories at their host institutions and receive up to two five-year terms of support, contingent on a successful midpoint evaluation.
For the 2028 competition, applicants must hold or begin by May 1, 2028, a qualifying appointment at an HHMI-eligible institution and have no more than seven years of experience as a lab head or in any other independent post-training position as of Dec. 15, 2026. Application opens Nov. 3, 2026.
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. PT
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| Forecasted NIH Opportunities |
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| | | Upcoming Seminars & Events |
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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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| Department of Radiological Sciences Research Seminar Series |
| From Foundation Models to Generative Modeling in Medical Imaging: For Early Detection and Decision Support, by Hayit Greenspan, PhD, Professor, Faculty of Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Tel-Aviv University; Co-founder and Chief Scientist, RADLogics, Inc.
Friday, Aug. 28, Noon PT
Location: Hybrid event at Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, Room CR 2110, and Via Zoom | |
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| Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology Dissertation Defense |
| Mechanisms of the Sex-Dependent Effects of Early-Life Adversity on Reward Behaviors, by Lara Taniguchi, Graduate Student, Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Baram Lab, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Friday, Aug. 28, 1 p.m. PT
Location: Hybrid event at Thorp Conference Center, 4th Floor of Sue & Bill Gross Hall, 845 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92617, and Via Zoom | |
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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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| Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries Monthly Seminar Series |
| Recent Advances in Reverse Translational Methods for Neuropsychiatric Medications Development, by Brian Kangas, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Director, Translational Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory, McLean Hospital. Hosted by the UC Irvine Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 10 to 11 a.m. PT
Location: Thorp Conference Center (4001, Gross Hall) | |
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| Rady Children's Health and UC Irvine Distinguished Lecture Series |
| Mechanisms of Kidney Development and Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies, by Stefano Da Sacco, PhD, Assistant Professor of Research Urology, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Thursday, Sept. 24, Noon to 1 p.m. PT
Via Zoom
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| 2026 Fourth Annual Symposium for the Center for Neurotherapeutics: "Novel Targets and Technologies in Neurotherapeutics" |
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The 2026 Fourth Annual Symposium for the Center for Neurotherapeutics will feature speakers from across the country who will speak on different topics as they relate to translational neuroscience research. Register for this FREE symposium by Friday, Oct. 2.
Friday, Oct. 9, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, Sue Gross Auditorium, 845 Health Sciences Quad, Irvine, CA 92697 | |
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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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