NHLBI TOPMed: Omics Phenotypes of Heart, Lung, and Blood Disorders (X01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “NHLBI TOPMed: Omics Phenotypes of Heart, Lung, and Blood Disorders.” This initiative is part of the larger TransOmics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, which aims to integrate genomic and multi-omics data to deepen scientific understanding of heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders. NHLBI is a key player in biomedical research, particularly concerning cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep-related conditions. The overarching purpose of this funding initiative is to transition from basic mapping of genetic associations to uncovering molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie HLBS conditions. This shift supports more targeted, mechanistic research, ultimately facilitating the development of personalized medicine strategies. The program intends to achieve this by leveraging NHLBI’s infrastructure, such as its controlled-access databases including the database for Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) and BioData Catalyst (BDC), to host and disseminate data collected from awardees. This NOFO, which will use the X01 Resource Access Program activity code, does not provide direct funding. Instead, selected applicants will gain access to NHLBI-funded TOPMed infrastructure to generate and analyze large-scale omics data. The data must be deposited in designated NIH repositories, and the effort is expected to promote applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in functional genomics. There are no specific constraints listed on the types of research expenditures that can be made under this mechanism, as it is resource-based rather than monetary. Eligibility is broad, including public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, small businesses, state and local governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and Native American tribal organizations—both federally recognized and otherwise. The opportunity is expected to be available nationwide without geographic restrictions. This forecasted opportunity anticipates an estimated application opening date of August 7, 2025, with proposals due by October 7, 2025. Award notices are expected by May 1, 2026, and funded projects are anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026. Although applications are not being accepted at the time of this notice, NHLBI encourages early engagement from potential applicants to form collaborative teams and prepare responsive proposals. All inquiries should be directed to the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources at NHLBI via the email address nhlbidbdrgrantresource@nhlbi.nih.gov. As a forecasted opportunity, this NOFO offers a window for interested investigators to initiate project development ahead of its formal release.