Advancing Bioinformatics, Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is forecasting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the opportunity number FOR-LM-25-001 titled "Advancing Bioinformatics, Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)." This initiative reflects NLM’s ongoing mission to support research that leverages and advances biomedical data science, particularly in light of the rapid growth in biological data complexity and scale. NLM seeks to encourage transformative scientific work through funding mechanisms that promote innovation in data interpretation and integration to improve health outcomes. This NOFO intends to support projects focused on the development and implementation of advanced computational methods, tools, and approaches that can significantly impact the fields of bioinformatics, translational bioinformatics, and computational biology. Emphasis is placed on enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scalable computational platforms to facilitate the extraction of meaningful insights from complex, multidimensional biological datasets. Research areas may range from molecular-level omics data analysis to systems-level modeling at the cellular, organismal, and population levels. The scope encourages scalable, autonomous, and interdisciplinary innovation aimed at addressing key biomedical and clinical challenges. A core aim of this funding opportunity is to empower researchers to create solutions that can be broadly applied across multiple domains of biomedical science. Projects are expected to demonstrate scientific rigor, potential for widespread applicability, and the capacity to transform the landscape of biomedical research and public health. This NOFO uses the NIH R01 activity code, which supports discrete, specified research projects performed by investigators in areas representing their specific interests and competencies. This is a forecasted opportunity and applications are not being accepted at this time. The estimated post date for the full NOFO is October 6, 2025, with applications due by February 4, 2026. The expected award date is December 4, 2026, which is also anticipated to be the project start date. With an expected total program funding of $2,500,000, approximately ten awards are projected. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include a broad array of organizations such as private and public institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations, county governments, state governments, public housing authorities, independent school districts, for-profit organizations including small businesses, and nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status other than institutions of higher education. The opportunity is available nationwide without geographic restrictions. For further information regarding the forecasted opportunity, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Catherine Farrell at the National Library of Medicine. She can be contacted by phone at 301-402-7081 or via email at catherine.farrell@nih.gov. The NLM encourages early consideration and the formation of strong, collaborative project concepts in advance of the official NOFO release.