Programs and Activities Highlights
- S10 Pre-Application Webinar
On July 8, ORIP hosted an S10 Pre-Application Webinar, informing prospective applicants to prepare for applications under the new S10 programs (PAR-27-021 and PAR-27-022). The webinar provided an overview of the new S10 funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, application structure, review criteria, and differences from prior programs. NIH program staff explained program objectives, highlighted specific requirements, and answered more than 100 questions from the nearly 300 participants. As a result, the participants gained a better understanding of the new program features. The event also promoted broader awareness of the S10 programs and encouraged institutional strategic planning for high-quality applications that advance biomedical research.
- Spring 2026 Human Tissues and Organs for Research Resource (HTORR) Steering Committee Meeting
ORIP organized and conducted the HTORR steering committee meeting on May 27, 2026. HTORR provides high-quality human biospecimens to investigators to facilitate scientific advances in biomedical research across multiple disciplines. ORIP staff participated in discussions with the HTORR principal investigator, other staff from the National Disease Research Interchange, NIH institute and center representatives, and other NIH guests.
- ORIP Hosted More Visitors to S10 Office Hours
The S10 office hours experienced a noticeable increase in visitor participation in April and May 2026, ahead of the June 1 submission due date. As prospective applicants prepared their S10 applications and addressed program requirements, attendance at office hours grew steadily, reflecting the demand for program support and guidance. The highest attendance recorded in a single session reached 16 participants, indicating the value of the office hours as an outreach forum for one-on-one assistance. Throughout this period, the S10 team offered practical advice on program requirements and clarified participants’ specific questions. The success of the office hours demonstrated the team’s engagement with the S10 community, highlighting ORIP’s commitment to improving outreach and communication and ensuring that investigators receive timely support—potentially resulting in more high-quality S10 submissions.
- Informational Visit to Emory National Primate Research Center
ORIP staff organized an informational visit to the Emory National Primate Research Center (NPRC) in January 2026 for the Directors and staff from the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives; Office of AIDS Research; and ORIP. The goals of this visit were to view the facilities and procedures at Emory NPRC; enhance communications, understanding and trust among partners; reinforce team approaches (NPRCs and NIH) to address challenges; and examine the current and future roles of nonhuman primates in biomedical research. Directors from several NPRCs were also in attendance and engaged in presentations and discussions around the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), new approach methodologies, and other NIH priorities.
- NIH-Wide Strategic Plan Working Group
An ORIP staff member is actively engaged with the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan Working Group, which held its first meeting in December 2025. This internal, NIH-wide working group assists the Office of Evaluation, Performance, and Reporting (OEPR) in the strategic planning process for the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan 2026–2030. The working group members—which represent the various NIH institutes, centers, and offices—are developing, expanding, and refining a high-level framework for the plan; conducting internal and external community engagement to socialize and get input on the strategic planning process and framework; and developing narrative for the plan.
Read more in the archive.
Collaborations with Other NIH Institutes/Centers/Offices
- NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional)
ORIP has signed onto a notice of funding opportunity for the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant program, which helps U.S. small business concerns that partner with a nonprofit research institution bring scientific innovations to the marketplace. The STTR program supports feasibility studies to later-stage research and development needed to develop a commercial product.
- NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough Award (Parent [R44] Clinical Trial Optional)
ORIP has signed onto a notice of funding opportunity for the NIH Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough award, which bridges the funding gap between the end of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II award and commercialization. The Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough award provides previously funded NIH SBIR or STTR projects with additional support for later-stage research and development.
- SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program (Parent SB1 Clinical Trial Optional)
ORIP has signed onto a notice of funding opportunity for the CRP program, which helps small business concerns move NIH-funded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects from late-stage development to commercialization. The program supports later-stage research and development and technical assistance that Phase II and Phase IIB Strategic Breakthrough Awards typically do not support.
- NIH, CDC and FDA Small Business Innovation Research Grant (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
ORIP has signed onto a notice of funding opportunity for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which helps U.S. small business concerns bring scientific innovations to the marketplace. The SBIR program supports feasibility studies to later research and development needed to develop a commercial product.
- Collaboration with the INCLUDE Project for S10 Co-funding
In May 2025, ORIP staff participated in an NIH Down Syndrome Working Group meeting and presented to the representatives from other NIH units an S10 grant that has substantial usage to support research on Down syndrome. ORIP staff made a convincing case, which resulted in the first INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) Project co-funding of an S10 application, expanding the support of ORIP’s Shared Instrumentation Programs.
Read more in the archive.
