Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
CDC/ATSDR seeks research proposals to study and evaluate risk factors for ALS, including environmental, genetic, and population-specific factors, with funding for various research approaches and populations.
Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ERA
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $4,500,000 | Up to $500,000 per award | ~3 awards | Project period: up to 4 years
Summary: Supports research to identify and evaluate risk factors for ALS, including studies on environmental, genetic, and population-specific contributors.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; dates and details are subject to change when the official NOFO is released.
Description
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates releasing a funding opportunity to support research on risk factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The program encourages proposals investigating established and emerging risk factors, including environmental, genetic, and population-specific contributors such as military service, contact sports, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, and infectious exposures. Four funding options are expected:
- Option A: Research with strong existing evidence (e.g., known environmental or genetic risk factors, improved data, or studies linking risk factors to ALS diagnosis/treatment).
- Option B: New and exploratory research on ALS risk factors, including innovative methods or risk factors with limited prior evidence.
- Option C: Studies focused on ALS risk in specific populations, such as military veterans.
- Option D: Analysis of biological samples from the Guamanian ALS cluster, including disease mechanisms, environmental/genetic factors, and biomarker development.
This is a cooperative agreement mechanism, meaning CDC will have substantial involvement in awarded projects.
