Course Description

The NIH multiproject grants can lead to the most gratifying stage of one’s career, in which one directs a research center or a hub within a cooperative network. But the leap from an individual R-series grant program to directing these larger centers can be daunting. This 4-part course provides an overview of the NIH multiproject submissions, how to select the optimal one for your set of circumstances, how best to prepare for one, and tips and tricks for writing a winning application. I draw from my own successes in the P and U series.

Updated: August 8, 2022

Preview an Excerpt of This Course

A faculty member mentioned that she and two other PI’s are watching the P seminars as a cohort and using them as platforms for their draft development. This same PI said that it was challenging to hire Meg at [her prior medical school] and she was looking forward to using our relationship to help their P.

Faye Farmer
Executive Director of Research Development
Arizona State University

Course Details

Who:  For those preparing to write an NIH P- or U-series submission, and the people who advise them.

When:  Available on demand

Cost: $1500

Summary of Course Sections

Part I. Preparing to Write a Center Grant Application (P Series)

We will begin by discussing the Program Project grant applications — what they are, how they differ from the R series, and the different types of P mechanisms for different circumstances. We will focus on how to plan and strategize to write a center grant application, including how to heavily involve program staff. We will review the types of seed funding needed and from where, and what elements of the research to have in place before application.


Part II. Writing a Center Grant Application (P Series)

We examine the application writing for a Program Project grant application (P series, or Center grant), which is far more complex than in the R series. We analyze each section and what to include beyond what is dictated in the instructions and scoring criteria. Program staff have precious little funding for expensive center grants; Your application must be utterly compelling and persuasive.


Part III. Preparing to Write for a Cooperative Agreement (U series)

We will explore the unique features of the cooperative agreements (U series) – what they are, how they differ from the R and P series, and what to consider when deciding between a center grant and a cooperative agreement. We will investigate the ways in which preparation for a U submission is similar to and different from a P.


Part IV. Writing for a Cooperative Agreement (U series)

We will study the distinct way one must write for a U, ascertaining whether the cooperative agreement is multiproject or not, and part of a network or not. We will evaluate strategies to apply to be part of a cooperative network, where your hub will not be a stand-alone research entity but rather will exist as part of a network of researchers. When selecting the members of a cooperative network, program officers and reviewers must understand that your team would make a unique and necessary contribution to the network.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this 3 hours 53 minute session, participants will be able to: 

  1. Identify the optimal type of funding mechanism for your circumstances
  2. Prepare for the submission and employ winning strategies to lay the crucial groundwork
  3. Write a strong submission using tips shared from deep experience with these funding mechanisms
  4. Acquire key information about what makes a strong NIH multiproject submission, and apply that information to develop better NIH grantsmanship at the P and U level.

Content Disclaimer

Course content updated August 8, 2022. Content of this course was updated and re-recorded on this date. The content was accurate at that time. We recommend that you search for changes that may have occurred to the content since the recording date. Note that the course title may have been modified slightly since the recording.