ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers seeking to establish collaborative projects using ancient DNA (aDNA) data to understand modern human biology and disease. Applicants must have expertise in ancient DNA, population genomics, or related fields. Collaborations combining DNA sequencing, computational genomics, human evolution, and population expertise are strongly encouraged.
Eligible organizations typically include research institutions, universities, and NIH-supported centers. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this U01 mechanism. International collaboration is permitted. Projects must leverage existing or newly generated aDNA data from the consortium.
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Key dates
- Jun 2, 2026 Applications open
- Feb 1, 2028 Application deadline in 564 days
- Sep 1, 2028 Award announced
- Sep 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to establish an ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) program. The goal of aDMG is to establish an ethical resource of ancient and historical human DNA (aDNA) data to advance studies about contemporary human traits and biology. This NOFO aims to solicit applications that will leverage existing and newly generated aDNA data from this consortium to advance the biological and epidemiological understanding of modern human diseases and health-related traits by integrating aDNA with modern human and other species’ data. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U01 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of ancient DNA and population genomics are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in DNA sequencing methods and technology, computational genomics and data science, human evolution, and ancient human populations will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Cover Page
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Letters of Support (for collaborative projects)
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Facilities and Resources
Program contact
- 👤 NHGRI Research Funding
- 📧 nhgri-research-funding@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.172 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$39,531,110
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$34,574,245
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$32,186,204
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$30,195,606
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$26,495,937
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$26,020,371
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$24,964,130
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$24,413,854
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$23,757,911
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$22,977,417
Top States by Funding
- CA 19 awards $317.2M
- MA 16 awards $302.5M
- WA 9 awards $140.1M
- NY 6 awards $93.6M
- NC 5 awards $93.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.172). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $452,727,668 | |
| 2025 | $423,878,429 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,989,158 |
FAQ
Can clinical trials be funded under this mechanism?
No. The aDMG U01 explicitly does not allow clinical trials. Research must focus on understanding modern traits and biology using ancient DNA data.
What kind of expertise should applicants have?
Strong background in ancient DNA, population genomics, DNA sequencing, computational genomics, or human evolution is expected. Collaborative teams combining multiple expertise areas are preferred.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. This funding opportunity does not require cost-sharing or matching funds from applicants.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is February 1, 2028. Plan accordingly and begin developing collaborations now.
What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects integrating ancient DNA with modern human data, using rigorous computational methods, and advancing understanding of health-related traits or disease biology are most likely to be competitive.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Begin forming collaborative teams now. The notice emphasizes that investigators should start developing meaningful partnerships across diverse expertise areas before submitting.
- Focus on integration strategy. Clearly explain how your project combines aDNA with modern genomic and other species data to answer health/disease questions.
- Highlight ethical considerations. Ancient DNA work raises ethical questions about human remains and ancestry—address these thoughtfully in your proposal.
- Use consortium data effectively. Show how you will leverage existing aDNA resources from the consortium rather than simply generating new data.
- Assemble complementary expertise. Teams with combined strengths in sequencing, computational biology, evolution, and population genetics are encouraged and more likely to succeed.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trials or translational studies focused on diagnosis/treatment rather than fundamental research. Lack of clear collaborative partnerships across complementary expertise areas. Weak integration of ancient DNA with modern human data—aDNA alone is not sufficient.
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