Illuminating AD/ADRD Genome to Enable Precision Genomic Medicine
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and universities conducting mechanistic genomic studies of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, research universities, medical schools, and other research-performing institutions. Projects must employ integrative, cross-disciplinary approaches using advanced genomic methods, machine learning, and disease models.
The research scope includes comparative genomic analysis across genetic ancestries and neurodegenerative diseases, genome editing, and single-cell/spatial omics technologies. Studies may utilize human stem cell systems, animal models, or ex vivo approaches. Precision medicine therapeutic target identification is the ultimate goal.
This is a U01 cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating substantial NIH involvement in project governance.
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Key dates
- Nov 21, 2025 Applications open
- Oct 6, 2026 Application deadline in 81 days
- Jul 6, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 6, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications that propose a program that supports integrative, cross-disciplinary projects aimed at scaling up mechanistic studies to understand the genomic underpinnings of the pathogenesis and progression AD/ADRD.
The proposed research projects will employ interdisciplinary approaches that integrate innovative techniques to dissect the genomic drivers of AD/ADRD. These projects will leverage advanced analytical methods, including machine learning and comparative genomic analysis across multiple genetic ancestries or multiple neurodegenerative diseases, along with cutting-edge tools like genome editing, functional characterization assays, and emerging single-cell and spatial omics technologies. These studies will use sophisticated disease models, such as human stem cell-based systems, ex vivo, and in vivo models that reflect different genetic ancestries, various model organisms, or multiple neurodegenerative conditions. These cross-ancestry, cross-disease, and cross-species approaches will enable a more comprehensive investigation of the genomic drivers of neurodegeneration and neuropathogenesis. Ultimately, this initiative may lead to the identification of actionable therapeutic targets for AD/ADRD, meeting the urgent need for mechanism-driven insights that can guide precision medicine approaches for its treatment.
Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO intends to utilize the U01 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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&D) Application Form
- Project Narrative
- Budget Justification
- Biosketch (PHS 398)
- Institutional Biosafety Approval (if applicable)
- Letters of Institutional Support
Program contact
- 👤 Alison Yao, Ph.D.
- 📧 yaoal@nia.nih.gov
- 📞 301-827-7264
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
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$172,327,224
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$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
What types of research organizations can apply?
Universities, medical schools, research institutes, and 501(c)(3) research organizations are typically eligible. Check with NIH grants office if your institution status is unclear.
What scientific approaches are encouraged?
Projects should integrate cross-disciplinary genomic methods, machine learning, functional assays, and disease models across genetic ancestries or multiple diseases. Single-cell and spatial omics are strongly encouraged.
Is this currently accepting applications?
No. This is a pre-announcement NOFO. Institutions should begin collaboration planning now for the official funding opportunity.
What is the funding mechanism?
This uses the U01 cooperative agreement code. This indicates structured collaboration between the awardee and NIA program officers.
What is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is October 6, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building interdisciplinary team collaborations now. Multi-institution projects are strongly favored in genomics research.
- Clearly specify which genomic technologies and disease models your team will employ. Match proposal to the announced priorities.
- Develop a realistic project timeline that accounts for model development, validation, and therapeutic target identification phases.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through letters of support from senior leadership and adequate core facility resources.
- Include preliminary data showing proof-of-concept for your cross-ancestry or cross-disease comparative genomic approaches.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing single-ancestry studies without comparative genomic framework. Lack of functional validation strategy alongside genomic analysis. Underestimating timeline for developing and validating disease models.
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