The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Common Fund, National Institute on Aging, and National Cancer Institute along with other participating Institutes and Centers, is preparing to announce a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the second stage of the Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) program. This funding opportunity is specifically aimed at supporting the establishment of the SenNet Data Coordination, Integration and Organizational Center (DCIOC). The goal of this center is to advance understanding of the biological consequences of senescent cell heterogeneity in both health and disease.
This initiative will focus on identifying and characterizing tissue-specific senescence markers in human biospecimens, which will aid in the development of new senotherapeutic strategies that aim to improve health outcomes. The DCIOC will play a central role by integrating tissue mapping efforts with new data gathered during Stage 2 to produce comprehensive Atlases of Senescence. These atlases will combine spatial, biological, and functional data across a variety of tissues affected by health conditions and age-related diseases.
The DCIOC will also function as the organizational hub of the SenNet consortium. Responsibilities will include managing internal communications and collaboration across the network, coordinating outreach activities, and ensuring a streamlined data integration process. The NOFO will utilize either the U24 or UM1 cooperative agreement activity codes, indicating a significant degree of NIH involvement in project oversight and coordination.
Although applications are not being solicited at this time, this forecasted opportunity is intended to allow researchers and organizations to begin forming meaningful collaborations and develop projects that align with the program's objectives. The official NOFO is expected to be posted on September 12, 2025, with applications due by November 13, 2025. The projected award date is July 1, 2026, which also marks the estimated start of funded projects.
Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, public and private higher education institutions, independent school districts, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant. Interested applicants with expertise in senescence biology, innovative data integration tools, and novel therapeutic development are encouraged to consider applying.
For additional details and forthcoming announcements, interested parties may contact Ajay Pillai at the Office of Strategic Coordination, DPCPSI, OD, via email at ajay.pillai3@nih.gov or by phone at 301-538-4811.
