Novel Approaches to Advance Precision Aging and Cognitive Health
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers studying innovative approaches to aging and cognitive health. NIH grants typically support academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations. Eligible applicants often include universities, medical schools, and established research centers. Applicants must have the infrastructure to conduct rigorous research and comply with federal requirements like IRB approval and data management standards.
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Key dates
- Nov 24, 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 develop or incorporate novel, cutting-edge study designs/methods/analytic approaches through the use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and adaptive designs to allow the discovery of health/function profiles at the level of the individual and that could lead to the implementation of personalized prevention plans/interventions for cognitive/brain health in older adults. The initiative would allow for both basic research in animal models, as well as the development of profiles for humans, which would span levels of analysis from cellular to societal.
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 will utilize the R01 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) Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Biographical Sketch for key personnel
- Budget and Budget Justification
- NIH Biosketches (current format)
- Resource Sharing Plan
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Institutional Review Board or Animal Care approvals (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Molly Wagster, Ph.D.
- 📧 wagsterm@nia.nih.gov
- 📞 301-496-9350
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 NIH grant?
Universities, research hospitals, medical schools, nonprofit research organizations, and some for-profit entities with research capacity. Applicants must have institutional affiliation and research infrastructure.
What types of research does this grant support?
Novel methodologies and innovative approaches to precision aging science and cognitive health. This includes basic research, translational studies, and technology development related to aging mechanisms and cognition.
What is the typical funding range?
NIH grant amounts vary widely by mechanism. R01 grants typically range from $250K to $500K annually, while R21 grants are smaller pilot awards. Check the specific funding opportunity for exact ranges.
When is the application deadline?
The application open date is November 24, 2025. Check the NIH website for the specific submission deadline, which is typically 30-60 days after the open date.
How competitive is this grant?
NIH grants are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 15-25%. Strong preliminary data, innovative approaches, and experienced research teams significantly improve competitiveness.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with strong preliminary data showing proof-of-concept for your novel approach.
- Align your research directly with NIH priorities in precision medicine and healthy aging.
- Include a clear research team with complementary expertise in aging biology and cognitive science.
- Address how your work advances understanding beyond existing knowledge in the field.
- Plan for rigorous evaluation metrics and measurable outcomes in your research design.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of preliminary data or weak proof-of-concept for the novel approach. Misalignment with specific NIH priorities or unclear relevance to precision aging and cognitive health. Unclear innovation or incremental research that doesn't sufficiently advance the field.
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