Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)
Sponsor: NIHInternal Deadline: 07/24/2026Institutional Submission Limit: 1Sponsor Deadline: 10/20/2026Program Website
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications from institutions/organizations that propose to establish core centers that are part of an integrated and existing program of nutrition and/or obesity research. The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORC) program is designed to support and enhance the national research effort in nutrition and obesity. NORCs support three primary research-related activities: Research Core services, a Pilot and Feasibility (P and F) program, and a Scientific Catalyst program. All activities pursued by Nutrition Obesity Research Centers are designed to enhance the efficiency, productivity, effectiveness, and multidisciplinary nature of research in nutrition and obesity.
NORCs are required to support clinical research and these efforts must be described in a 'Clinical Element' within the Administrative Core. A NORC's potential or past efforts to develop clinically-relevant specialized services that are applicable and useful for the NORC research base are an important aspect of the NORC program and will be evaluated.
NORCs may support clinical, translational, and implementation research and services through a variety of approaches, as follows:
- A clinical biomedical research core, i.e., clinical research services are provided for and budgeted through stand-alone research core(s)
- The administrative core, or
- A combination of the above in a manner that best meets the needs of the NORC.
The clinical research services offered, the qualifications of the relevant personnel supported within the overall NORC, as well as the number of physician scientists, and basic researchers making use of available/relevant clinical research services should be addressed. Any efforts to encourage collaboration between NORC clinical and basic science investigators should be described in the Clinical Element. NORCs are also strongly encouraged to support clinical research through the pilot and feasibility (P and F) program and the Scientific Catalyst Program.
Biomedical Resource Cores
NORCs are designed around Research Cores that provide shared, specialized technical resources and/or expertise that enhance the efficiency, productivity, and multidisciplinary nature of research performed by NORC-affiliated investigators. The goal of the NORC program is to make state-of-the art technologies and resources readily accessible to a broad spectrum of investigators who are pursuing studies in nutrition, obesity, and other related research areas. Two to five biomedical research Cores are usually included in a NORC. NORCs are encouraged, but not required, to interact with the broader research community, serving as resources to support research of importance to NIDDK.
Each Research Core should provide state-of-the art services to multiple, funded research projects. Examples of biomedical research cores that would be considered responsive to this NOFO may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutrigenomics
- Metabolomics
- Dietary and/or physical activity assessment
- Basic behavioral science
- Implementation research
- Clinical and interventional research
- Molecular biology
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Adipocyte biology
- Imaging
- Bioinformatics
- Biostatistics
Particular emphasis should be placed on services that support and foster interdisciplinary, integrated, and translational approaches to research in nutrition, obesity and related topic areas. Preference will be given to core support services that are not readily available or cost-effective when supplied from commercial sources as well as techniques or technologies that are technically challenging or require specialized expertise, equipment or infrastructure. The quality, usage, and appropriateness of biomedical research cores for the research base will be given emphasis in the peer review process.
Only one application per institution (normally identified by having a unique DUNS number or NIH IPF number) is allowed.
Submission Process
Limited submissions MUST be coordinated with the Office of the Vice President for Research.
If interested in applying for this opportunity, please combine the following items into a single PDF and email to resdev@mailbox.sc.edu by 5pm on the INTERNAL DEADLINE above:
- Cover page with grant program name & number (if applicable) to which you are applying, your project title, PI (name, department/unit, & email), and list of co-PIs/key collaborators (name & department/unit)
- a two-page project abstract addressing key components/criteria for this specific grant program
- a 2-3 page CV/biosketch for the PI (SCiENcv preferred)