Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
CDC and ATSDR seek research proposals to identify and evaluate environmental, genetic, and population risk factors for ALS, including studies on veterans, brain injury, and the Guamanian ALS cluster.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
Due Dates: May 27, 2026 (Optional letter of intent) | June 10, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000/year for 3 years per award; total program funding $4,500,000; 3 awards anticipated.
Summary: Supports research to identify and evaluate environmental and other risk factors for ALS, emphasizing military service, contact sports, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, and infectious agents.
Description
This opportunity from the CDC/ATSDR seeks innovative research proposals to identify and characterize risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Priority is given to studies focusing on military service, contact sports, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, and infectious agents. Proposals must address both (1) the identification of potential environmental and associated risk factors for ALS in humans, and (2) how or why these risk factors may contribute to ALS etiology, progression, or pathophysiology. Funding is available under four options, each targeting a specific research approach or population (see Funding Amount section).
The program aims to improve understanding of ALS risk factors, inform future research, and support the development of new risk factor surveys for the National ALS Registry. Investigators are encouraged to use Registry data, but it is not required.
