PAR-25-462
Resource-Related Research Projects Cooperative Agreements in Aging and/or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research
Summary
Research Focus
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) seeks to establish and sustain large-scale research infrastructure and resources that advance aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD) research. This program targets complex, team-based research programs—whether led by single institutions or multi-institutional consortia—that generate foundational tools, datasets, platforms, or cohorts enabling the broader neurodegenerative disease research community. The intended contribution spans computational biology, clinical informatics, and translational neuroscience, with emphasis on resources that support consortium-level investigations into mechanisms of cognitive aging and dementia pathogenesis.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Single institutions or consortia with established teams of investigators; renewal and revision applications also eligible. Early consultation with NIA program staff is strongly encouraged.
- Funding & project length: Not stated.
- Award mechanism: U24 Research Resource/Infrastructure cooperative agreements.
- Key dates: Applications not yet solicited; NOFO publication anticipated. Applicants should contact NIA staff before submission.
- Best fit for: Aging and neurodegenerative disease researchers (spanning basic, clinical, and computational domains) developing shared research infrastructure, cohorts, biobanks, or analytical platforms aligned with NIA priorities.
Insights (6)
Consortium structure is advantageous but not required; single-institution teams viable
The NOFO explicitly welcomes both single-institution teams and multi-institution consortia, signaling that NIA values infrastructure/resource contributions regardless of organizational scope. However, the emphasis on 'large-scale, complex research programs' suggests that consortial approaches may be more competitive if they demonstrably expand access, capacity, or expertise beyond what a single institution could provide.
U24 mechanism demands infrastructure/resource focus, not traditional hypothesis-driven research
U24 cooperative agreements fund research resources and infrastructure—not primary research projects. Applicants must position their work as enabling broad research communities (e.g., biobanks, cohorts, computational platforms, core facilities) rather than testing specific hypotheses. Misalignment on this point is a common rejection reason for U24 submissions.
Limited awards anticipated; high bar for meritorious applications expected
NIA explicitly states it will fund 'only a limited number of meritorious applications.' Combined with the U24 mechanism's infrastructure focus and the specificity of AD/ADRD scope, competition is likely intense. Applicants should expect a high funding success rate threshold and strong preliminary evidence of resource utility and sustainability.
Renewal/revision applicants must maintain original scope; new applicants have flexibility
The NOFO permits renewals and revisions but requires strict adherence to the original parent NOFO's objectives. New applicants have more latitude to propose novel infrastructure, but should still consult NIA staff early to confirm alignment with current programmatic priorities, which may have shifted since prior funding cycles.
Early consultation with NIA program staff is critical for competitiveness
The NOFO strongly encourages pre-submission consultation to assess responsiveness and relevance to NIA priorities. This is not optional guidance—applicants who skip this step risk misalignment with unstated priorities or emerging focus areas. Given the limited number of awards, this consultation can be a decisive competitive advantage.
U24 infrastructure role suits established teams with sustained institutional commitment
U24 awards typically require multi-year operational stability, institutional buy-in, and a track record of resource stewardship. Early-stage investigators or those without institutional infrastructure support may struggle to demonstrate sustainability. This mechanism favors senior investigators or established research centers with proven capacity to manage large, complex programs.
Key Facts
Deadline
—
Posted
Thu, January 22, 2026
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (2)
Renewal and revision applications must adhere to requirements outlined in the parent NOFO under which the original application was funded, creating a potential constraint that may not be obvious to ap
85%
Source Text
“If submitting renewal or revision applications, the research objectives and scope of applications submitted through this NOFO must adhere to the requirements outlined in the parent NOFO under which the original application was funded.”
Consultation with IC staff is strongly encouraged prior to submission, which is atypical language that may signal this is a highly competitive or restricted opportunity where pre-submission contact is
75%
Source Text
“Consultation with IC staff is strongly encouraged prior to the submission of an application to discuss the responsiveness of their proposed research to this NOFO and its relevance to NIA's programmatic priorities.”