2026 CURE Formula Grant Program: Application Now Available!

The 2026 CURE Grant application is now available in the Limited Submissions and Intramural Funding Portal.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health plans to issue a new Request for Applications (RFA) under the Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE) Grant Program. This program supports health research initiatives across Pennsylvania, funded by the state's tobacco settlement funds. The CURE grant is designed to award grants for biomedical, clinical, and health services research. The goal of the program is to invest in uncovering new approaches to treatment and prevention. CURE has been a highly successful initiative, driving numerous medical advances and scientific breakthroughs across Pennsylvania. To date, the program has generated more than $2 billion in economic impact, created over 10,000 jobs, and produced nearly $90 million in tax revenue, cementing the state’s reputation as a leader in biomedical innovation and life sciences.

Purpose

• This RFA invites proposals that foster transdisciplinary research among faculty members and emphasize collaborations across departments and academic units (i.e., schools and colleges) at Drexel University. 
• These funds are used to promote HYPOTHESIS-DRIVEN research projects that will lead to high-quality scholarship (i.e., publications), technology commercialization, submissions for extramural support and ultimately awards from the NIH, DOD, NSF, and other governmental agencies and foundations. 
• The project period for the grant is for up to four years to allow completion of the Specific Aims. The start date is July 1, 2027, and the end date is June 30, 2031. The maximum budget allowed for direct costs is $95,000. 
• The RFP and application forms may be found on Drexel’s Limited Submissions and Intramural Funding Portal. 

Eligibility To Apply For Funds

As per the PA Department of Health, the research project Principal Investigator must be employed by the institution (Drexel University). Principal Investigators for the CURE grants must hold a full-time, primary faculty appointment (assistant professor or above). Faculty members may submit only one CURE proposal as PI. Each proposal is required to have at least one co-investigator. Collaborations across Drexel’s schools or colleges are strongly encouraged. Faculty members with an active CURE award are NOT eligible to submit a proposal as PI but may serve as a Co-I on a new project. 

Research Security Training

Prinicipal Investigators and Co-investigators will be required to use the new NIH Biosketch Common form and Biosketch Supplement which requires research security training attestation. Visit the ORI website for information on how to complete the CITI research security training.

Submission And Deadline

Applicants are required to submit the Application and Supporting Documents in the Limited Submissions and Intramural Funding Portal: Completed CURE applications are due in the Drexel University Funding Portal no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Research Using Human Subjects, Human Cell or Human Specimens

If the research plan involves the use of human subjects, human specimens/samples, or human cells—even if they are de-identified or commercially available—it requires Drexel IRB review and approval, or a formal determination from the Drexel IRB. If your proposal is selected for submission to the State, an application must be submitted to Drexel’s IRB immediately upon confirmation of internal review acceptance and receive IRB approval before Drexel submits the proposal to the State. For additional guidance on Drexel IRB policies and requirements, visit the HRP website. 

Please note that the IRB module of COEUS will be replaced by Novelution on August 17, 2026. For more information on Novelution, visit the Novelution Hub and register for the upcoming Novelution webinar on Thursday, July 23. For Novelution support, please contact novelution_info@drexel.edu.

Questions related to IRB requirements for the CURE grant may be directed to John Roberts, Executive Director, HRPP at HRPP@drexel.edu or Janet Matthews, MSN, RN, Sr. Director, Research Program Development, CoM, at jm834@drexel.edu.

Review Process and Award Notification

For internal review, the proposals will be reviewed by Drexel University faculty members from across the University, as determined by the scientific expertise required to conduct a fair and thorough review. Decisions for funding will be based upon scientific merit, as evaluated by the review panel, and programmatic need. 

Contact

If you have questions about the CURE grant, please contact Dr. Noreen Robertson, College of Medicine Sr. Associate Vice Dean for Research and Innovation, at nmr26@drexel.edu.

Find the full RFA on SharePoint for more information