Complex Integrated Multi-Component Projects in Aging Research (U19 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and academic centers conducting complex, integrated aging research with multiple components. Eligible applicants include universities, medical schools, hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with 501(c)(3) status. The U19 mechanism supports collaborative, multi-component research projects addressing major aging-related research questions. Applications must demonstrate institutional research capacity, qualified personnel, and infrastructure support.
This grant requires a clinical trial component or allows it as optional. Projects should involve multiple research cores or components integrated around a central research theme. Applicants must have established research programs and significant institutional commitment. NIH typically limits these awards to institutions with substantial research infrastructure and experience managing complex grants.
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Key dates
- Nov 24, 2025 Applications open
- May 25, 2026 Application deadline
- Apr 25, 2027 Award announced
- Apr 25, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that invites applications that propose large-scale, complex research projects with multiple highly integrated components focused on a common research question relevant to aging. Applications will involve a well-integrated research program composed of a multidisciplinary team of investigators within a single institution or a consortium of institutions. Applications will demonstrate how the individual components will be synergistically integrated to advance understanding of the unifying hypothesis or theme. The structure and approach of proposed projects will vary depending on the hypotheses under investigation; however, all applications are expected to reflect a high level of coordination among components that ensures integration across the projects.
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. This NOFO intends to utilize the U19 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) form
- Project Narrative with specific aims, significance, and innovation
- Research Strategy including preliminary data
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel (NIH format)
- Letters of Institutional Support
- Protection of Human Subjects documentation (if applicable)
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
Program contact
- 👤 NIA Scientific Contact
- 📧 nia_scicontact@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 N/A
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.866 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$463,372,200
-
$172,327,224
-
$115,145,694
-
$99,649,073
-
$93,275,174
-
$82,572,681
-
$81,344,612
-
$78,657,309
-
$75,825,492
-
$75,398,895
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $633.7M
- MI 2 awards $511.9M
- MO 8 awards $453.5M
- IN 4 awards $303.9M
- PA 6 awards $298.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.866). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,746,886,731 | |
| 2025 | $3,777,464,644 | |
| 2026 est. | $261,814,471 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this U19 aging research grant?
Universities, medical schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply. Applicants must have demonstrated research capacity and institutional support for complex projects.
What kind of research does this grant support?
Complex, integrated multi-component research projects focused on aging. Projects typically include multiple cores or research components aligned around a shared scientific aim.
Is a clinical trial required?
No, clinical trials are optional for this mechanism. However, projects involving human subjects research must follow NIH guidelines.
What is the typical project duration and funding range?
U19 awards typically support 5-year projects with funding that varies by scientific scope and institutional resources. Budgets generally reflect multi-component complexity.
How competitive are these grants?
Very competitive. NIH U19 mechanisms attract applications from leading research institutions. Strong preliminary data, experienced teams, and clear integration across components are essential.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate clear integration across all research components around a unified scientific theme. Reviewers look for synergy, not isolated projects under one umbrella.
- Secure strong institutional commitment including protected time for key personnel and infrastructure support. Letters of support from leadership matter.
- Present strong preliminary data for each proposed component showing feasibility. Preliminary studies strengthen competitiveness significantly.
- Include a detailed leadership structure with clear roles for the principal investigator and component leaders. Define communication and governance mechanisms.
- Plan for rigorous data management, quality assurance, and cross-component collaboration mechanisms. Show how data flows and is shared across components.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Treating the U19 as multiple independent projects. Reviewers want to see integration and synergy. Weak preliminary data or vague component descriptions lead to low scores. Underestimating institutional support requirements or failing to secure letters of commitment reduces competitiveness.
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