Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (RM1 Clinical Trials Optional) | PAR 19 204

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIH Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS) - RM1

1) What is the CEGS program?

The Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS) program is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity intended to build and support academic Centers that advance genomic research through ambitious, team-based projects. It is designed to help institutions run coordinated, interdisciplinary genomics center efforts that develop new genome-scale technologies and/or computational approaches with the potential to reshape biomedical research and accelerate genomics toward clinical impact.

2) What grant mechanism does CEGS use?

CEGS uses the NIH RM1 mechanism, with clinical trials optional. This structure is meant to support a multi-investigator, interdisciplinary Center that can take on a major biomedical challenge through transformative genomic approaches.

3) Are clinical trials required under this funding opportunity?

No. The funding opportunity specifies "clinical trials optional," which means a clinical trial is not required to be responsive. If clinical trial elements are appropriate to the proposed work, they may be included, but they are not mandatory.

4) What kind of research is NIH looking for in a CEGS Center?

NIH is looking for projects that represent a real step-change for the field rather than incremental improvements. The focus is on transformative genomic approaches that tackle important problems in genomic science or genomic medicine, ideally addressing a major biomedical challenge through coordinated, collaborative work.

5) How important is the "high-risk, high-reward" theme?

High-risk, high-reward research is a central theme of this opportunity. Applicants are expected to propose bold ideas that may be technically or conceptually challenging. At the same time, applicants must balance that risk with exceptionally strong scientific rationale, clear milestones, and a credible management and governance plan to show the Center can execute despite uncertainty.

6) What does NIH mean by "not incremental improvements"?

Based on the description provided, NIH is emphasizing work that would substantially move the field forward (a step-change), not smaller refinements or modest extensions of existing methods. Proposals should aim to create transformative genomic approaches rather than limited, incremental updates.

7) What scientific areas are within scope for CEGS?

CEGS Centers are expected to focus on developing novel genomic technologies and/or computational methods, particularly those that enable producing, integrating, or analyzing comprehensive, large-scale datasets. The work should be anchored in a genome-scale biomedical problem, or otherwise present a compelling genomic approach to understanding biological systems or advancing clinical application of genomic knowledge.

8) What kinds of outputs or deliverables fit this program?

Examples of outputs described in the opportunity include new experimental platforms, analytical pipelines, or data resources that unlock new types of biological insight. The program also supports methods that help move genomic discoveries closer to clinical use, when appropriate.

9) Does the program support computational genomics and data science?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly highlights computational methods, especially those that enable the integration or analysis of comprehensive, large-scale datasets and that support genome-scale biomedical questions.

10) Does the program support experimental technology development?

Yes. The scope includes the development of novel genomic technologies, including creating new experimental platforms and approaches that enable genome-scale insights.

11) Is this grant only for a single investigator or for teams?

This opportunity is designed for multi-investigator, interdisciplinary groups. NIH is seeking Centers with strong leadership and coordination across disciplines to execute complex, collaborative research programs.

12) What does NIH expect in terms of Center management and governance?

Applicants are expected to provide a credible management and governance plan. The opportunity stresses that NIH is looking for Centers that can execute complex, collaborative research with strong leadership, clear coordination across disciplines, and well thought-out strategies for handling technical uncertainty.

13) Are milestones required, and why do they matter here?

The opportunity states that bold, high-risk ideas must be balanced with clear milestones. Milestones matter because they help demonstrate the Center has a structured plan for progress and a way to manage risk while pursuing technically or conceptually challenging goals.

14) What is the "center-building" mission of CEGS?

Beyond research, CEGS has a strong center-building mission. Each funded Center is expected to strengthen genomic science at its home institution by bringing investigators from multiple disciplines together and encouraging sustained collaboration. NIH is investing in durable institutional capability and a cross-disciplinary culture, not just a set of experiments.

15) Is training part of the expectations for a CEGS Center?

Yes. Training is described as a core expectation. CEGS Centers are intended to develop both new and mid-career investigators, expanding the national workforce of genomics scientists and engineers.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations and government entities. Eligible applicants listed include:

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
• Private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), other than institutions of higher education)
• For-profit organizations (other than small businesses)
• Small businesses
• Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
• Native American tribal governments (federally recognized)
• Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized)

17) Are certain institution types specifically highlighted as eligible?

Yes. The announcement highlights additional eligible applicant categories including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and U.S. territories or possessions.

18) Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply as the primary applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations/institutions) are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant under this opportunity.

19) Can a non-U.S. component of a U.S. organization apply?

No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.

20) Are any forms of foreign involvement allowed at all?

Yes. The opportunity allows "foreign components" as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. This means a U.S. applicant organization may include certain well-justified foreign collaborations or activities within the NIH policy framework, even though a foreign institution cannot serve as the main applicant.

21) What is the opportunity identifier mentioned for this program?

The opportunity is identified as PAR-19-204 under NIH in the provided source information.

22) What type of funding opportunity is this categorized as?

In the posted source information, it is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health area.

23) What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The excerpt lists CFDA numbers 93.172 and 93.242.

24) What is the closing date listed in the provided information?

The original closing date listed in the excerpted data is 2021-05-20.

25) Does the excerpt specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards?

No. The excerpted data does not provide a specific award ceiling or an expected number of awards.

26) What is the overall purpose of this opportunity in practical terms?

Overall, this opportunity is NIH support for institutions ready to run a coordinated, interdisciplinary genomics Center effort that develops new genome-scale technologies or computational approaches. NIH emphasizes transformative impact, strong collaboration and leadership, credible governance, and training to build durable capability and advance genomic science and medicine.