News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics has unveiled its 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants aimed at enhancing health care accessibility. These grants are intended to support innovative research focused on improving health insurance and direct health care services. With a legacy of commitment to health care access, the program invites proposals to tackle pressing challenges and fosters collaborations to develop effective strategies that can benefit diverse populations nationwide.
Philadelphia Announces 2026 Research Grants to Expand Health Care Access
Philadelphia, PA – The University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (Penn LDI) has announced its 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants, signaling a renewed commitment to tackling critical issues in health insurance and healthcare accessibility. These annual grants are designed to bolster research efforts aimed at making health services more readily available and affordable for individuals nationwide.
Enhancing Health Care Through Focused Research
The newly announced grants are a cornerstone of Penn LDI’s ongoing mission to strengthen the body of knowledge surrounding health policy and practice. Each year, the institute awards small research grants specifically targeting ways to improve access to both health insurance and direct health care services. The overarching goal of this initiative is to foster innovative research that can lead to tangible improvements in the health care landscape for all Americans.
This program builds upon a rich history of dedicated research and training at Penn LDI. The institute consistently seeks proposals that address pressing challenges in health care delivery, particularly those that have a broad impact on diverse populations. The 2026 grants will continue this tradition, empowering researchers to explore new solutions and refine existing strategies for increasing health care access. The emphasis remains on rigorous, evidence-based research that can inform policy decisions and practical interventions.
A Legacy of Commitment to Accessible Health Care
The announcement of the 2026 grants comes amidst a period of sustained focus and investment in expanding health care access at Penn LDI. The institution, in collaboration with the Wharton School’s Department of Health Care Management, established its “Expanding Access to Healthcare Through Research and Training” initiative in 2000. This foundational program has been instrumental in shaping the direction of health economics research for over two decades.
A significant milestone in this enduring commitment was a $3.5 million gift received by the Wharton School and the Leonard Davis Institute in February 2025. This transformative contribution from Leonard and Sophie Davis was specifically allocated to support the expansion of health care access through research and training. The gift underscores the vital role of philanthropic support in advancing critical health care research and ensuring its continued impact.
Further demonstrating its proactive stance, Penn LDI launched a new research program in September 2025. This initiative is specifically designed to improve primary care access, an area recognized as fundamental to overall population health and well-being. The program aims to explore innovative models and interventions that can make primary care more accessible and effective for communities.
Broader Research Endeavors at Penn LDI
Beyond the “Expanding Access to Health Care” grants, Penn LDI has recently announced other significant research funding opportunities. Just hours before the latest announcement, the institute also unveiled the 2026 LDI-Penn Medicine Research Laboratory Project Grants. Additionally, the 2026 Research Grants for Value-Based Care and Older Adults were announced, highlighting a comprehensive approach to addressing various facets of health care improvement.
Past research supported by Penn LDI has explored a range of innovative topics. For instance, September 2025 saw discussions on research highlighting the promise of advanced technologies such as AI ultrasounds and continuous glucose monitoring. These technologies are being investigated for their potential in expanding access to diagnostics and care, as well as for improving patient outcomes. These examples showcase the diverse and forward-thinking nature of the research initiatives championed by Penn LDI.
The collective efforts, including the newly announced 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants, reinforce Penn LDI’s position as a leading institution dedicated to generating knowledge that ultimately leads to a more equitable and efficient health care system for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants?
- The 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants are awards announced by the University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (Penn LDI) to support research focused on improving access to health insurance and health care.
- What is the focus of these grants?
- The grants are focused on improving access to health insurance and health care. The goal is to strengthen research in this vital area.
- Who awards these grants?
- The University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (Penn LDI) awards these research grants.
- What is Penn LDI’s broader commitment to healthcare access?
- Penn LDI has a long-standing commitment to expanding health care access, having established the “Expanding Access to Healthcare Through Research and Training” initiative in 2000 in collaboration with the Wharton School’s Department of Health Care Management.
- Have there been other related initiatives recently?
- Yes, in September 2025, Penn LDI launched a new research program aimed at improving primary care access. Additionally, the 2026 LDI-Penn Medicine Research Laboratory Project Grants and the 2026 Research Grants for Value-Based Care and Older Adults were also announced recently.
- What kind of research has been supported previously?
- Past research has included topics like the promise of AI ultrasounds and continuous glucose monitoring for expanding access and improving outcomes.
Key Features of the 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | 2026 Expanding Access to Health Care Research Grants |
| Announcing Body | University of Pennsylvania’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (Penn LDI) |
| Focus | Improving access to health insurance and health care |
| Goal | Strengthen research in the vital area of healthcare accessibility |
| Nature of Program | Annual small research grants |
| Geographic Scope of Impact | Nationwide |
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