Centers without Walls for mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimers disease-related dementias (ADRD)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), is advancing an initiative titled "Centers without Walls for mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD)." This forecasted funding opportunity is designed to stimulate the creation of interdisciplinary research consortia that target complex, unresolved mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with ADRD. The consortia will adopt a “Center without Walls” approach, emphasizing collaboration across diverse research institutions and disciplines. The intent is to consolidate expertise and foster synergies among investigators who can tackle multifaceted biological and clinical challenges that single-site or single-investigator projects cannot effectively address. This program is rooted in the broader mission of NINDS, which is to reduce the burden of neurological disease. As part of this initiative, NINDS plans to support up to five consortia that apply cutting-edge technologies and integrated methodologies to identify and understand novel biological mechanisms underlying ADRD. These consortia may include capabilities such as the use of disease-relevant models, analysis of human specimens, and advanced clinical science. The overarching goal is to uncover new therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and resilience factors associated with the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. One of the selected teams will assume the role of a coordinating center, tasked with organizing recurring meetings, promoting data harmonization and cross-site communication, and supporting inter-laboratory rigor and reproducibility practices. The inclusion of a coordinating center is integral to ensuring that the program maintains a cohesive framework and that collaborative efforts yield reproducible and impactful scientific discoveries. The funding opportunity aligns with priorities outlined in the upcoming ADRD Summit 2025. These priorities include dismantling research silos across disease types and topic areas, and emphasizing the complexity of ADRD through cross-cutting investigations. While formal applications are not being accepted yet, the NIH has released this forecast to give prospective applicants time to assemble responsive research teams and build meaningful collaborations in preparation for the official solicitation. Funding for this initiative is projected to total $10 million, with awards expected to be issued by July 1, 2027, coinciding with the estimated start of funded projects. The application window is anticipated to open on May 18, 2026, and close on October 1, 2026. Although a cost share or match is not required, applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the program's goals and design interdisciplinary teams capable of addressing ADRD heterogeneity. Eligible applicants include a broad spectrum of entities such as state and local governments, tribal organizations, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. Faith-based, regional, and U.S. territorial organizations are also eligible. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the NIH via the listed program email, [email protected], for further information or guidance during the preparatory phase.