The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its Common Fund in collaboration with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program Training and Outreach Core. This initiative aligns with the NIH’s goal of uncovering novel biological insights into childhood cancer and congenital anomalies. The program emphasizes the identification of shared genetic pathways among these diseases to deepen understanding of disease mechanisms and advance the development of targeted therapies.
This forthcoming opportunity, designated under the funding opportunity number NOT-RM-25-036, will not permit clinical trials and will utilize a Cooperative Agreement (U24) as its funding instrument. The NOFO aims to engage both the research and patient communities in outreach and training activities that enhance the utility and impact of the Kids First dataset. The initiative will support expertise development and the promotion of collaborations that extend the reach and application of existing data in the field of pediatric research.
The grant is expected to open on July 30, 2025, with an application due date of October 30, 2025. The anticipated award date is July 30, 2026, which also marks the start date for funded projects. Total funding for this program is projected at $800,000, although specific award ceilings or floors have not yet been disclosed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state and county governments, independent school districts, public and Indian housing authorities, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, higher education institutions (both public and private), and both small and other for-profit businesses.
Interested applicants are encouraged to begin forming partnerships and drafting project concepts ahead of the formal NOFO release. Investigators with experience in training and community engagement—particularly in the context of research data use and patient involvement—are particularly encouraged to prepare.
For further information, applicants may contact Concepcion R. Nierras, Ph.D., at the Office of Strategic Coordination, NIH, by phone at 301-435-5840 or by email at concepcion.nierras@nih.gov.
