RFA-HG-26-002
Genomic Community Resources (U24 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Summary
Genomic Resources Development and Dissemination (NHGRI)
⚠️ Pre-announcement notice — applications not yet solicited. This is advance notice of a future funding opportunity. Do not submit applications now; a formal Notice of Funding Opportunity will be published later.
NHGRI, in partnership with the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, plans to support the development, curation, and distribution of high-value genomic resources that serve the broader research community. The program targets both foundational and applied genomic research, including cancer genomics and environmental health genomics applications. Successful projects will create or enhance genomic databases, computational infrastructure, and curated datasets that enable downstream discovery across basic science and clinical genomics. The funder explicitly encourages collaborative teams that integrate computational genomics, data science, and clinical genomic expertise to strengthen resource utility and accessibility.
- Who can apply: Institutions with demonstrated capacity in genomic resource development, curation, and distribution; collaborative teams combining computational genomics and clinical genomics expertise are particularly encouraged. (Note: This is a pre-announcement; formal eligibility criteria will be stated in the future NOFO.)
- Funding & project length: Not stated in pre-announcement.
- Award mechanism: U24 (Collaborative Research Centers).
- Key dates: NOFO publication date not stated; applicants should begin developing collaborations now.
- Best fit for: Computational biologists, clinical genomicists, and bioinformaticians focused on cancer, environmental health, or population genomics who can build or sustain community-facing genomic databases and analytical platforms.
Insights (6)
Genomic resource curation and distribution expertise is core competitive advantage
This U24 mechanism explicitly targets development, curation, and distribution of high-value genomic resources. Applicants with demonstrated track records managing large-scale genomic databases, curating clinical or cancer genomics datasets, or operating established genomic repositories will be significantly more competitive than those proposing novel research using existing resources. The emphasis on 'demonstrated broad value to the research community' suggests prior evidence of resource adoption and impact.
Multi-disciplinary teams combining computational genomics and clinical applications strongly encouraged
The NOFO explicitly encourages 'collaborative investigations combining expertise in computational genomics and data science and clinical applications of genomics.' This signals that single-PI applications focused narrowly on sequencing or basic genomics will be less competitive than consortia integrating computational infrastructure, clinical validation, and translational pathways. Consider identifying clinical genomics partners early.
Pre-announcement status means strategic planning window, not submission window
Applications are explicitly 'not being solicited at this time'—this is a pre-announcement notice designed to allow 6-12 months for collaboration development before the formal NOFO drops. Submitting now would result in desk rejection. Use this window to build partnerships, secure preliminary data on resource utility, and draft letters of support from end-user communities.
Multi-IC co-funding (NHGRI, NCI, NIEHS) signals cross-domain resource relevance
The involvement of NCI and NIEHS alongside NHGRI indicates this RFA prioritizes genomic resources applicable across cancer genomics and environmental health research domains. Resources narrowly focused on a single disease or research area will be less attractive than those with demonstrated or potential utility across multiple scientific communities. Positioning your resource as broadly applicable strengthens competitiveness.
U24 mechanism favors established resource stewards over early-stage investigators
U24 awards are infrastructure/resource support mechanisms typically requiring demonstrated operational capacity, user communities, and sustainability plans—not early-stage research. ESI/NSI applicants without prior resource management experience or institutional infrastructure support will face significant disadvantages. This is better suited to mid-to-senior investigators with established genomic resource programs.
Broad scope across basic, clinical, and environmental genomics may fragment competition
The NOFO's inclusion of basic genomics, clinical genomics, cancer genomics, and environmental health genomics suggests a wide aperture. This could mean either higher overall competition or multiple smaller cohorts of awardees. The U24 mechanism and emphasis on 'demonstrated broad value' suggest selectivity—expect 5-15 awards nationally, making this moderately to highly competitive.
Key Facts
Deadline
—
Posted
Mon, February 9, 2026
Expected Awards
6
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
This is a pre-announcement notice, not an active funding opportunity. Applications are explicitly stated as 'not being solicited at this time,' which means submitting now would be premature and likely
95%
Source Text
“Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.”
The NOFO will use U24 activity code, which is a specific mechanism type (Research and Development Centers) that has distinct requirements around infrastructure, resource development, and institutional
85%
Source Text
“This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code.”
The NOFO explicitly encourages 'collaborative investigations combining expertise in computational genomics and data science and clinical applications of genomics,' which suggests collaboration may be
80%
Source Text
“collaborative investigations combining expertise in computational genomics and data science and clinical applications of genomics will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.”