Advanced-Stage Development and Utilization of Research Infrastructure for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (R33 Clinical Trial Optional)

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Description

This funding opportunity supports the advanced-stage development and utilization of novel research infrastructure to accelerate interdisciplinary research in aging. The goal is to foster mature, sustainable infrastructure that enables projects addressing key questions in aging science, particularly those requiring collaboration across disciplines. The program is designed for applicants who have already developed research infrastructure (with NIH or non-NIH support) and are ready to expand its scope, impact, and sustainability.

The infrastructure developed must benefit the broader research community, not just the applicant’s own interests, and should result in new knowledge, tools, or tangible scientific products. Applications may propose new interdisciplinary collaborations or significant new directions for existing collaborations.

The program is administered by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), with potential co-funding from the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH). Clinical trials are optional.

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Due Dates

• New Applications:

  • July 2, 2025
  • November 3, 2025

• Renewal / Resubmission / Revision Applications:

  • August 4, 2025
  • December 2, 2025

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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Funding Amount

• Direct Costs: Up to $500,000 per year (excluding consortium F&A costs)
• Project Period: Up to 5 years
• Award Type: Grant (R33 Exploratory/Developmental Grants Phase II)
• Number of Awards: Contingent on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications

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Eligibility

Eligible organizations include:

• Public and private institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions)
• For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
• State, county, city, township, and special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
• Federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations
• Faith-based and community-based organizations
• Regional organizations
• U.S. territories and possessions
• Eligible federal agencies

Restrictions:

• Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
• Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
• Applicant organizations may submit more than one application if each is scientifically distinct.
• Applications that do not propose the development and utilization of research infrastructure will be considered non-responsive.

Note: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIH program staff before preparing an application to ensure alignment with program priorities and requirements.

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Application Process

• Submission Platforms: NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional system-to-system solutions.
• Required Registrations: SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• Application Guide: Follow the NIH How to Apply - Application Guide and the specific instructions in the NOFO.
• Application Types Allowed: New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision.
• Clinical Trials: Optional (applications may or may not propose clinical trials).
• Budget: Annual direct costs must remain under $500,000; use the R&R Budget Form (not modular).
• Data Management and Sharing Plan: Required for all applications.
• Appendix: Only limited materials allowed (see NOFO and Application Guide).

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Additional Information

Scientific Focus Areas

The NIA supports a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Aging biology (e.g., biomarkers, AI/ML for aging metrics, organoid systems)
• Behavioral and social research (e.g., cognitive aging, health disparities, longitudinal data infrastructure)
• Geriatrics and clinical gerontology (e.g., multimorbidity, clinical trial methodology, omics integration)
• Neuroscience of aging (e.g., brain aging, dementia, cognitive reserve)
• Women’s health and health disparities (ORWH co-funding possible)

Activities Supported

• Meetings and workshops to identify research priorities
• Data harmonization and integration
• Development of repositories and research tools
• Pilot and feasibility studies (with NIA staff approval)
• Dissemination and outreach
• Training and support for early career investigators

Review Criteria

• Importance and innovation of the proposed infrastructure
• Rigor and feasibility of the approach
• Expertise of the team and adequacy of resources
• Impact on the broader research community

Compliance

• Human subjects and animal research must comply with NIH policies.
• Single IRB (sIRB) policy applies to multi-site human subjects research.
• Data and safety monitoring plans required for clinical trials.

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External Links

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement (PAR-25-219)
• NIA Research Resources
• NIH How to Apply - Application Guide
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
• NIA Aging Research Biobank
• NIA Centers Programs
• NIH Grants Policy Statement

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Contact Information

For additional contacts, see Section VII. Agency Contacts in the NOFO.

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