[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov)

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Not yet announced; typical NIH R01 mechanism expected.

Supports research on how neural exposome factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD) pathology and resilience.

This is a forecasted opportunity; NIH-defined clinical trials are not supported.

--- ## Description This upcoming NIH funding opportunity will support research investigating how specific neural exposome factors—such as environmental toxins, sleep and circadian rhythms, stress, and their real-world modulators (light, noise, heat)—mechanistically contribute to the pathology and resilience of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). Projects should focus on the synergistic and composite effects of multiple exposome factors on neural mechanisms relevant to ADRD. Research is encouraged on mechanistic pathways including, but not limited to, microbiome–brain interactions, neuroimmune signaling, and epigenetic modifications that link exposures to ADRD risk, progression, and resilience. Studies spanning the lifespan and examining critical or sensitive periods of exposure, as well as factors leading to neurological health disparities, are encouraged. Both mechanistic and translational research, including human subjects studies (excluding NIH-defined clinical trials), are eligible. Investigative teams with expertise in exposomics, environmental neuroscience, ADRD mechanisms, community engagement, and social determinants of health are particularly encouraged to prepare applications. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated full application deadline, projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated funding amounts have not been announced. - Typical NIH R01 mechanisms are expected, often supporting multi-year projects with budgets commensurate with project scope and NIH guidelines. - No cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Private institutions of higher education - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. Territories and Possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) - Eligible agencies of the Federal Government --- ## Application Process - This is a forecasted opportunity; the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published closer to the estimated post date. - Applications must address the mechanistic role of exposome factors in ADRD pathology and resilience, as described above. - NIH-defined clinical trials are not permitted under this program. - Potential applicants are encouraged to begin forming collaborations and developing responsive projects in anticipation of the official release. --- ## Additional Information - The program is managed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). - The opportunity is intended to provide advance notice to allow for the development of meaningful collaborations and robust proposals. - Applications are not currently being solicited; the official NOFO will clarify all requirements upon release. --- ## External Links - [NIH Funder Homepage](https://www.nih.gov) - [Forecasted Opportunity on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361451) --- ## Contact Information | Office/Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------| | NINDS Office of Neural Exposome and Toxicology and NINDS Office of Global Health and Health Disparities | [NINDSONETOX@ninds.nih.gov](mailto:NINDSONETOX@ninds.nih.gov) | 301-496-4000 |

Exposomic Contributions to ADRD Pathology and Resilience

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