NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Summer Research Education Program

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, is preparing to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Summer Research Education Program. This initiative is designed to develop and implement summer research education programs aimed at high school students, undergraduates, and science teachers. The purpose of this effort is to expand and diversify the workforce in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (ADRD) research by providing early-career individuals with immersive experiences in the field. The ERA Summer Research Education Program will support intensive summer research experiences that expose participants to AD/ADRD research methodologies and concepts, with the broader goal of fostering interest in biomedical and behavioral research. While the program does not permit participants to lead independent clinical trials, it does allow them to gain research experience in trials conducted under the guidance of mentors or co-mentors. This funding opportunity will utilize the R25 activity code and is intended to broaden the pool of skilled researchers in the aging field. Applications are not being solicited yet, as this is currently a forecasted opportunity, providing potential applicants ample time to form collaborations and design responsive projects. The program explicitly encourages investigators with expertise in aging and related research to prepare for the upcoming solicitation. Eligibility for this grant is open to a diverse range of organizations including independent school districts, county governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, state governments, private and public higher education institutions, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), small businesses, Native American tribal organizations and governments, and public housing authorities. This broad eligibility framework is intended to ensure wide participation from various sectors. The estimated application submission period is from November 27, 2025, with applications due by May 27, 2026. Award announcements are expected by April 27, 2027, with funded projects commencing on the same date. There is no requirement for cost sharing or matching. Interested applicants may contact Maria Carranza, Ph.D., at the National Institute on Aging for further information via email at NIATraining@mail.nih.gov.