Advancing the Science of Engagement in Research (PCORI PFA Cycle 3 2026)

About this program

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will issue a Funding Announcement on Aug 4, 2026 to support research that builds evidence on engagement in research, including development of measures/assessment strategies for engagement structure, process, and outcomes and development/testing of engagement methods across contexts. PCORI solicits two categories: Category 1 (measure or assessment development) funds up to $1.0M direct costs for up to 24 months, and Category 2 (development/testing of engagement approaches) funds up to $1.5M direct costs for up to 36 months. Applicants must meaningfully partner with patients and other healthcare partners and address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research, with a focus on engagement across the research lifecycle; proposals centered on patient engagement in clinical or self-care interventions (e.g., shared decision making, adherence-promoting interventions) or solely on recruitment/enrollment/retention are not responsive. Key deadlines: Letter of Intent due Sept 8, 2026; full application due Jan 12, 2027 (PFA opens Aug 4, 2026).