Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence
Forecasted
This grant supports regional clinical networks to improve diagnosis of rare, hard-to-diagnose diseases through multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative tools, and expanded access as part of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (anticipated)
Funding Amounts: Award size and total program funding not yet specified; cooperative agreement mechanism; details to be announced in full solicitation.
Summary: Supports regional clinical networks to expand access to expert diagnosis for undiagnosed diseases and advance innovative diagnostic strategies.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity—applications are not yet being solicited; use this time to plan and establish collaborations.
Description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), intends to fund multiple clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence (NODEs) as part of the next phase of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN). Unlike prior phases focused on single-site centers, this initiative will fund geographically distributed regional clinical networks. Each NODE will lead a regional network built on partnerships with academic medical centers, hospitals, clinics, federally qualified health centers, and community-based organizations to broaden access to specialized diagnostic expertise for individuals with highly challenging, difficult-to-diagnose conditions.
Clinical NODEs will:
- Provide coordinated, multidisciplinary, participant-centered evaluations.
- Recruit and enroll participants, review medical records, determine enrollment, and communicate outcomes to participants and referring providers.
- Coordinate evaluations with local partners and referring providers.
- Collaborate across the network to develop and test innovative diagnostic tools and strategies (for both genomic and non-genomic conditions).
- Support systematic re-evaluation of unsolved UDN cases and conduct research to improve participant access and experience.
- Participate in network governance and infrastructure, provide training, and incorporate participant/community input (e.g., via a Community Advisory Board).
- Monitor site performance and ensure consistent implementation of UDN standards.
This forecast is intended to give prospective applicants time to plan, establish collaborations, formalize regional partnerships, and prepare responsive projects. Applications are not being accepted at this time.
