The Research Project Cooperative Agreements in Aging and/or Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research opportunity is a forecasted funding initiative issued by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIA is a lead federal agency supporting research on aging and age-related diseases, with significant focus and dedicated resources for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These related conditions include frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementias, vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, and multiple etiology dementias.
This upcoming funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement under the U01 mechanism, which necessitates substantial programmatic involvement by NIH staff throughout the lifecycle of the funded projects. The notice aims to provide ample lead time for applicants to assemble collaborations and prepare proposals aligned with NIA’s research priorities. The scope of funded work is broad and includes genetic, biological, neuroscientific, preclinical, clinical, behavioral, social, psychological, and economic studies that further the understanding of aging and its associated diseases and conditions. Projects must align with the mission of the NIA, which centers on enhancing the health and well-being of older individuals by addressing the mechanisms of aging and extending healthy life years.
The cooperative agreement framework entails the establishment of milestones, collaboration across consortia, and engagement in coordinating activities such as working groups and oversight by an External Scientific Panel. This structure is designed to ensure alignment of funded research with NIH strategic goals and fosters a collaborative environment for advancing scientific discovery in this space.
While applications are not currently being solicited, the estimated application window will open on April 20, 2026, and close on June 20, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by April 30, 2027, which also marks the anticipated project start date. This aligns with funding for fiscal year 2027. Since this is a forecast, timelines may be subject to change, but the provided estimates aim to help applicants plan effectively.
Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of applicant types such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (both with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status), Native American tribal organizations and governments, small businesses, and other for-profit entities. Additional eligible applicants include school districts, state and local governments, housing authorities, U.S. territories, federal agencies, regional and community-based organizations, and foreign institutions. The NIA strongly encourages potential applicants to consult with program staff in advance to ensure alignment of their proposed research with the NOFO’s objectives.
Prospective applicants may reach out to the NIA via the designated contact email, [email protected], to discuss the responsiveness of their project ideas. Although a detailed solicitation document or application PDF has not yet been released, this forecast provides critical insight for applicants to begin preparations in advance of the formal posting.
