Multi-Scale Models Bridging Levels of Analysis in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA AG 25 016

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AG 25 016

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting R01 grant applications under the funding opportunity titled "Multi-Scale Models Bridging Levels of Analysis in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (RFA-AG-25-016). The central goal is to support research teams that can build and refine multi-scale computational models that capture, in a dynamic and mechanistic way, how aging processes and AD/ADRD-related changes unfold across different biological and functional levels. In practice, NIH is looking for models that do not stay confined to a single scale (like genes or brain regions alone), but instead connect multiple layers of evidence such as molecular pathways, cellular processes, neural circuits and networks, and downstream cognitive or behavioral outcomes.

The opportunity is intentionally broad in the kinds of computational and analytical methods it welcomes. Proposed projects may use mathematical modeling, computational simulations, image analysis approaches, and modern data-driven techniques including artificial intelligence and machine learning. The unifying expectation is that these approaches help explain or predict aging and AD/ADRD phenomena by bridging levels of analysis, for example linking molecular or cellular alterations to network-level brain changes, or tying brain network dysfunction to measurable changes in cognition and behavior. The emphasis on "recapitulating dynamic changes" signals interest in models that can represent progression over time, feedback loops, and evolving system behavior rather than static snapshots.

This is an NIH discretionary grant mechanism categorized under Health, with CFDA number 93.866, and it uses the R01 Funding Instrument (research project grant). The notice specifies "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning applications should not propose clinical trials as part of the funded work. While clinical or human data may still be relevant for modeling, the funded activities are expected to remain within non-trial research boundaries, focusing on computational model development, validation, integration of multi-modal datasets, and related analytic innovations rather than interventional clinical trial designs.

A wide range of applicants are eligible. In addition to the standard government and academic categories (including state, county, and city governments; special districts; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; and private institutions of higher education), eligibility also includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations that are not federally recognized, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories). For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses are also eligible, along with an "Other" category that can capture additional qualifying entities. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and even non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This breadth suggests NIH is encouraging participation from diverse institutional settings and geographies, including organizations positioned to contribute unique datasets, perspectives, or technical capabilities.

Key administrative details provided include an original closing date of 2024-06-13, and an award ceiling of $500,000 (as listed in the source data). The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided information. The opportunity record was created on 2024-02-06. Overall, the grant is aimed at advancing integrative, cross-scale computational modeling that can deepen understanding of aging and AD/ADRD mechanisms and progression, potentially improving how the field interprets complex multi-level data and generates testable hypotheses about disease trajectories and functional decline.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Multi-Scale Models Bridging Levels of Analysis in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA AG 25 016

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: