PAR-26-036
Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS)
Summary
Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS)
The CEGS program supports interdisciplinary research teams tackling fundamental challenges in genomic science, genomic medicine, and computational genomics through development of transformative methods, tools, and technologies. Rather than incremental advances, CEGS centers are expected to pursue high-risk, high-reward innovations—novel concepts and approaches unlikely to emerge from standard grant mechanisms within the same timeframe. Research may address critical questions within a single genomic discipline or span multiple areas (e.g., linking genome sequencing and bioinformatics to precision medicine applications). The program emphasizes technology development tightly integrated with biological questions, alongside creation of genomic resources and novel computational methods that advance the broader research community.
A 2024 program evaluation confirmed CEGS's track record of funding breakthrough resources and approaches with impact extending beyond genomics. This renewal aims to widen research focus and expand outreach to broaden the pool of researchers able to work in or leverage genomics.
- Who can apply: Institutions with outstanding scientific and management capacity to lead interdisciplinary, high-risk research teams; specific eligibility details not stated.
- Funding & project length: Not stated.
- Award mechanism: P50 (Center grant).
- Key dates: Not stated.
- Best fit for: Genomics researchers in computational biology, precision medicine, and bioinformatics seeking to develop transformative tools, methods, or resources with cross-disciplinary impact.
Insights (6)
P50 mechanism demands transformative, high-risk innovation beyond incremental R01 scope
CEGS explicitly targets 'transformative advance not likely developed by standard R01s' and requires 'highly innovative novel concepts, methods, approaches, tools, and technologies.' This is not a mechanism for incremental hypothesis testing or single-lab projects. Competitive applications must articulate a clear gap that *requires* center-scale integration and risk tolerance—e.g., developing a new genomic platform, establishing a foundational resource, or solving a cross-disciplinary problem that no single R01 team could address.
Interdisciplinary team integration is structural requirement, not optional enhancement
The NOFO emphasizes 'tightly focused, well-integrated projects' and 'interdisciplinary teams of investigators.' The 2024 evaluation praised the program's focus on 'technology development linked to biological questions,' implying successful centers bridge computational, methodological, and biological expertise. Weak team integration or siloed projects will be at a significant disadvantage; applicants should design governance and shared milestones that demonstrate genuine intellectual interdependence, not just co-location.
Resource and tool dissemination is explicit program goal affecting evaluation
CEGS are expected to 'broaden the pool of researchers able to work in or use genomics' and ensure 'dissemination of CEGS developed methods and tools to the broader research community.' This signals that reviewers will assess not only scientific innovation but also the potential impact and accessibility of outputs. Centers with plans to release open-source software, public databases, or training programs will be more competitive than those focused solely on internal discovery.
Recent program evaluation and renewal suggest heightened scrutiny and evolving priorities
The February 2024 mixed-methods evaluation and explicit mention of 'suggestions for improvements, such as widening the focus and increasing outreach opportunities' indicate NHGRI is actively reshaping the program. This renewal cycle may prioritize applications that address previously underrepresented areas within genomic science or demonstrate novel outreach/training models. Applicants should review the evaluation report to identify emerging priorities and differentiate from prior CEGS cohorts.
Scope must address genomic science, medicine, or computational genomics explicitly
The NOFO restricts focus to 'genomic science, genomic medicine, computational genomics, or an issue that cuts across more than one of these areas.' While the research fields (F13, F17, F11, F27, F24) span genetics, bioinformatics, and precision medicine, applications must clearly articulate how their innovation advances one of these three pillars or their intersection. Projects framed primarily as general biology or clinical medicine without explicit genomic methodology or resource development may face scope concerns.
P50 centers require mature, established leadership with risk-taking credibility
The high-risk, high-reward nature and emphasis on 'outstanding scientific plans and management strategies' suggest NHGRI expects center directors and core leaders with established track records and institutional support. Early-stage investigators may participate as co-investigators but are unlikely to lead a competitive CEGS. This mechanism is better suited to mid-to-senior researchers with prior NIH funding and demonstrated ability to manage complex, interdisciplinary teams.
Key Facts
Deadline
—
Posted
Tue, September 23, 2025
Expected Awards
2
Keywords
Research Areas