NINR uses this research center mechanism occasionally. This mechanism is only available when specifically announced in the NIH Guide through a Request for Applications (RFA). Investigator-initiated applications are not accepted for this mechanism.

The Nursing Research Center Core grants support shared resources and facilities for categorical research by a number of investigators from different disciplines who provide a multidisciplinary approach to a joint research effort or from the same discipline who focus on a common research problem. The strong base of research and Center infrastructure components will enable a number of established and independently funded investigators and research teams to have the opportunity to enhance their collective productivity to a greater degree than would be possible from the separate projects.