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Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences VCHS
  1. VCHS
  2. Administration
  3. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor
  4. Offices
  5. OCR
  6. CRU Incentive Program

CRU Success Incentive Program 2026

For calendar year 2026, competitive incentive awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 will be available to support CRU formation, maturation, or shared infrastructure needs.

  • CRUs with larger clinical research faculty rosters, multiple sub-units, and higher operating complexity may be eligible for larger awards
  • Proposals that address shared needs across multiple CRUs can be combined (e.g., regulatory, finance, or data systems support) and are strongly encouraged

 Allowable Uses of Funds

Given the variability in CRU structure and maturity, awards may differ in size and scope but are expected to focus primarily on:

  • Personnel support (e.g., project management, regulatory coordination, clinical operations support) and/or
  • Technology or systems that directly advance CRU operational requirements 

In general, funds should not be used to support existing personnel currently funded through other sources, unless clearly justified for time-limited CRU start-up, harmonization, or maintenance activities.  Priority will be given to proposals that protect administrative effort or add personnel essential to meeting CRU expectations.

 Eligibility and Proposal Requirements

  • Applications may be submitted by existing CRUs or by groups actively engaged in CRU development.
  • CRUs/centers/institutes with existing infrastructure-style grants/endowments are not eligible
  • Proposals must be no longer than 2 pages and must include:
  1. A clearly articulated need with justification, aligned with CRU requirements 
  2. Defined goals and measurable outcomes, consistent with OCR CRU metrics
  3. A 2-3 year sustainability plan, as applicable, describing how activities supported by this incentive program will transition to ongoing operational support

Recommended template included here: CRU Success Incentive Program Application Template

Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with CRU criteria, feasibility and execution plan, and potential impact on compliance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability, along with degree of cross-CRU benefit. Proposal evaluation will occur on a rolling basis starting February 22, 2026.

 Funding Restrictions, Duration, and Reporting Expectations

  • Incentive funds may not be used for faculty salaries (neither X, Y, nor Z)
  • May not be used to backfill routine effort already supported by grant
  • May not be used for long-term operational staffing with no sustainability plan
  • With sufficient justification and demonstrated progress, awards may be extended for an additional 12-month period, with supplemental support ranging from $50,000 to $100,000
  • Awarded CRUs shall provide to OCR quarterly status updates with progress against objectives, key risks or barriers, and planned priorities for upcoming period (template provided by OCR)

 Additional Information

For questions about this program or detailed requirements for CRU designation and maintenance, please refer to OCR guidance documents or contact Dr. Susan Little (slittle@health.ucsd.edu) or Carlos Rojas (CarlosRojas@health.ucsd.edu).

Defining a Clinical Research Unit (CRU)

CRU Reporting and Compliance Metrics