Course Description

This 2-chapter course provides an overview of the NIH U-series cooperative agreements. We cover how to determine if a cooperative agreement is right for your project, how to select the optimal mechanism for your set of circumstances, and how best to prepare for one. We discuss key strategies for writing a multiproject U and for applying to participate in a network/consortium. Writing tips and samples derive from Dr. Bouvier's long history of writing successful cooperative agreement applications.

Updated: July 26, 2025

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this 2-hour session, participants will be able to:Β 

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

Course Details

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

When: Β Available on demand

Cost:Β $1500

Summary of Course Sections

Chapter I. Preparing to Write an NIH U-Series Cooperative Agreement Submission
We will explore the unique features of the NIH cooperative agreements (U series) – what they are, how they differ from the R and P series, and what to consider when deciding whether to apply for one. We will walk through key preparation steps for writing a competitive cooperative agreement submission, including the all-important discussion with the program officer.

Chapter II. Tips for Writing an NIH U-Series Cooperative Agreement Submission
We will study the distinct way one must write for a U. Tips and samples are provided for multiproject U submissions, emphasizing synergy. Strategies for applying to participate in a consortium/network are also covered, emphasizing your hub's unique contribution to the group effort. Samples and tips derive from Dr. Bouvier's long history of successful cooperative agreement submissions.

Preview an Excerpt of This Course

Course Outline

Chapter 1 Preparing to Write an NIH U-Series Cooperative Agreement Submission

Lesson 1:Β What are they? How differ from P,R?
Lesson 2: When are we ready for a U?
Lesson 3: Which U? U01, U24, U19, U54
Lesson 4:Β Which U? UG3, UH2, UH3
Lesson 5:Β Which U? U43/44, UE5, UG1, UC2, UM1/2
Lesson 6: Identify project leaders
Lesson 7: Vet the idea with PO
Lesson 8: Funding and support in advance
Lesson 9: How is a U submission reviewed?
Lesson 10: Timeline
Lesson 11: Checklist

Chapter 2 Tips for Writing an NIH U-Series Cooperative Agreement Submission

Lesson 1: Β Meg's General Writing Tips
Lesson 2:Β  Meg's Formatting Tips
Lesson 3:Β  Writing for Non-Multiproject U
Lesson 4:Β  Writing for Network U
Lesson 5:Β  Writing for Multiproject U
Lesson 6: Β Multiproject U - Projects
Lesson 7: Β Multiproject U - Cores
Lesson 8: Β Multiproject U - Admin
Lesson 9: Β Multiproject U - Overall
Lesson 10: Human Subjects Research
Lesson 11: Scoring Criteria
Lesson 12: Checklist

Content Disclaimer

Course content updated July 26, 2025. Content of this course was updated and re-recorded on this date. To our knowledge, 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.

What our clients have to say

Thank you, Meg. I know that your input and the numerous conversations helped to make the (large-format) proposal what is was. I will not forget two or three very in-depth conversations with you about changing the orientation of the project to make it consistent with the RFA. Those were fundamental discussions that, while causing a bit of agita at the time, ultimately allowed us to submit a very strong application.

Nancy E. Schoenberg PhD, Associate Vice President for Research, Research Professional Development Associate Director University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Meg is excellent! We have had numerous successful NIH (large-format) grant applications together over the years! She also has helped our junior faculty across the finish line for R01 grant funding!! She is a valuable resource!

Darwin L. Conwell, MD, MSc, FACG
Chair, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Thank you for the expertise and rigor that you brought to this (large-format) application. It’s no wonder (my boss) is such a big fan of yours. I think our proposal is a strong one and I know that you played a significant role enhancing it. On behalf of the whole team, we are so grateful for your expert guidance and support! We are so lucky to work with you.

Nancy E. Schoenberg PhD, Associate Vice President for Research, Research Professional Development Associate Director, University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Sharing the attached (Notice of Award) with gratitude for all your help!

E. Anders Kolb, MD Hematology/Oncology
Nemours Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders