Understanding Cerebellar Contributions to Cognitive and Affective Functions in Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease/Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers investigating the cerebellum's role in cognitive and affective functions, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and nonprofit organizations with research capabilities. The grant supports basic research projects with strong scientific merit. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity and access to relevant research infrastructure. Activities include laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific collaboration.
Geographic scope includes the United States and its territories. International collaborations may be permitted with appropriate justification. Both early-career and established researchers can apply.
Key dates
- Nov 20, 2025 Applications open
- Oct 6, 2026 Application deadline in 127 days
- Jul 6, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 6, 2027 Project start
This grant is for researchers investigating the cerebellum's role in cognitive and affective functions, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and nonprofit organizations with research capabilities. The grant supports basic research projects with strong scientific merit. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity and access to relevant research infrastructure. Activities include laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific collaboration.
Geographic scope includes the United States and its territories. International collaborations may be permitted with appropriate justification. Both early-career and established researchers can apply.
Program description
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research on the cerebellum’s contributions to cognitive and affective functions in healthy aging as well as in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (ADRD). This NOFO seeks studies to address the need for improved understanding of the physiology and neuroanatomy of the cerebellum in these processes in the context of healthy aging and AD/ADRD. This NOFO welcomes a mix of approaches including basic human and animal model studies, secondary data analyses of existing aging and AD/ADRD datasets, as well as studies examining the cerebellum as a potential target for interventions to promote cognitive reserve and/or prevent and delay the onset of AD/ADRD.
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 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
Details
This grant is for researchers investigating the cerebellum's role in cognitive and affective functions, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's disease. Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and nonprofit organizations with research capabilities. The grant supports basic research projects with strong scientific merit. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity and access to relevant research infrastructure. Activities include laboratory research, data analysis, and scientific collaboration.
Geographic scope includes the United States and its territories. International collaborations may be permitted with appropriate justification. Both early-career and established researchers can apply.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Specific Aims
- Significance and Innovation sections
- Research Design and Methods
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support
- Institutional Biosketches (for large teams)
- Letters of Support (if collaborators involved)
Program contact
- 👤 Matt Sutterer, Ph.D.
- 📧 matt.sutterer@nih.gov
- 📞 Matt Sutterer, Ph.D.
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
-
$463,372,200
-
$172,327,224
-
$115,145,694
-
$99,649,073
-
$93,275,174
-
$78,657,309
-
$75,825,492
-
$75,398,895
-
$70,985,470
-
$64,812,576
Top States by Funding
- MI 2 awards $511.9M
- CA 8 awards $511.1M
- MO 8 awards $437.0M
- 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 grant?
Research institutions, universities, nonprofits, and some federal agencies are eligible. Your organization must have research capacity and institutional resources.
What research areas does this grant support?
Studies on cerebellar function in aging, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. Both basic and translational research approaches are welcome.
What is the typical funding range?
NIH R01 grants typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 annually. Actual amounts vary by scientific scope and review panel recommendations.
How competitive is this grant?
NIH grants are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 15-25%. Strong preliminary data and clear significance are essential.
What is the application timeline?
Review the NIH grants.gov page for current deadlines. Applications typically undergo 6-9 months of peer review before funding decisions.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ground your research questions in aging and neurodegeneration biology. Connect cerebellar changes to cognitive or emotional outcomes.
- Include preliminary data from your laboratory or pilot studies. Show feasibility and early evidence of your approach.
- Explain why cerebellar function matters for Alzheimer's disease outcomes. Link basic findings to human disease relevance.
- Detail specific molecular, cellular, or systems-level methods. Demonstrate technical expertise and methodological rigor.
- Address health disparities or equity angles if applicable. Consider how findings might benefit underrepresented populations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague cerebellar mechanisms without clear links to cognitive or affective outcomes. Weak or absent preliminary data supporting feasibility claims. Unclear public health significance for Alzheimer's disease or aging research.
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