Novel Approaches to Advance Precision Aging and Cognitive Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the auspices of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), plans to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Novel Approaches to Advance Precision Aging and Cognitive Health.” This initiative is grounded in the NIH’s longstanding commitment to fostering innovative research that promotes healthier aging and improved cognitive outcomes in older adults. The NIA, a key institute within NIH, is dedicated to understanding aging processes and supporting research that enhances the quality of life for aging populations through scientific discovery and application. This upcoming NOFO aims to support applications that explore new methodologies and designs—particularly those that harness the capabilities of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and adaptive design frameworks—to enable precision-focused approaches to cognitive health. The intention is to drive research that can identify individualized health and functional profiles, ultimately contributing to the creation and application of personalized prevention and intervention plans tailored to each aging individual’s needs. The initiative will accept projects ranging from basic animal model research to applied human studies, encompassing analysis at multiple levels—from cellular biology to societal interactions. Projects may explore the use of sophisticated data analytics to uncover risk factors, predict cognitive decline, and develop bespoke health strategies to mitigate such decline. This integrative research effort is expected to advance understanding across biological, behavioral, and environmental dimensions of aging. While applications are not yet being solicited, the forecast notice serves to provide researchers and institutions ample time to prepare their collaborative frameworks and refine research concepts. The opportunity will utilize the R01 activity code, which supports discrete, specified, and circumscribed projects in health-related research and development. Investigators are encouraged to begin aligning their expertise and project designs with the forthcoming opportunity. The expected timeline for this NOFO includes an estimated post date of August 6, 2026, with applications due by October 6, 2026. Awards are projected to be announced by July 6, 2027, with performance periods beginning on the same date. There is no requirement for cost-sharing or matching funds. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based and foreign entities, including nonprofits, for-profits, higher education institutions, tribal organizations, and governmental units at various levels. For further details or questions, interested parties are encouraged to contact Dr. Molly Wagster at 301-496-9350 or via email at wagsterm@nia.nih.gov. Although this is a forecasted opportunity, early awareness allows potential applicants to develop robust, multidisciplinary proposals in line with NIA’s objectives for advancing individualized approaches to cognitive health in aging populations.

Investigators are encouraged to begin developing collaborations and projects early, suggesting competitive advantage for well-prepared applicants.