Renewal of the Clinician-Scientists Transdisciplinary Aging Research (Clin-STAR) Coordinating Center

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plans to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the next five-year award period of the Clinician-Scientist Transdisciplinary Aging Research Coordinating Center (Clin-STAR CC). The NIA is one of the National Institutes of Health and is dedicated to conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The funding opportunity aims to continue the Clin-STAR CC’s mission as a national resource for clinician-investigators focused on aging research across various specialties and disciplines. The primary purpose of this initiative is to disseminate scientific and research knowledge related to aging. The Clin-STAR CC will foster networking and collaboration among clinician-scientist leaders in aging research and clinician-investigators from diverse clinical backgrounds. It also seeks to provide mentoring and career development for emerging clinician-scientists who are dedicated to pursuing aging research within their specialties. Additionally, the initiative will advance interdisciplinary research projects aimed at improving patient-centered care for older adults. The scope of funding includes support for a multi-faceted national research platform that enhances the career development and collaborative opportunities for clinician-scientists in aging research. The next funding period will expand the center’s functions to increase its reach and effectiveness. A particular emphasis will be placed on promoting geographic diversity and including a broad range of clinical disciplines among early-career clinician-scientists. Eligible applicants include independent school districts, public housing authorities, state governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), private and public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations and governments, county governments, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. Applications are not being solicited at this time; this notice is provided to allow potential applicants adequate time to develop collaborations and prepare responsive projects. Submission requirements, application questions, and evaluation criteria have not been provided yet as the NOFO is currently forecasted. The funding will use the U24 activity code for cooperative agreements. Prospective applicants should note that there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Key contact information includes Dr. Alexis Bakos, who can be reached by phone at 301-480-8538 or via email at alexis.bakos@nih.gov. The estimated timeline for this opportunity begins with an anticipated post date of August 17, 2025. The application due date is expected to be October 17, 2025, with an award date planned for July 17, 2026, and a project start date also set for July 17, 2026. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applications are not currently being accepted.