Translational Center for Accelerating the Use of Digital Health Technologies Data in AD/ADRD Research

The National Institutes of Health, through the National Institute on Aging, has announced a forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity that will establish a Translational Center for Accelerating the Use of Digital Health Technologies Data in Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias research. This initiative is presented as a forecasted cooperative agreement with an anticipated release in early 2026, allowing research organizations and partners ample time to prepare collaborations and project concepts. The Center is designed as a multi-component effort to support the integration of digital health data into translational and clinical research programs focused on aging and dementia. The purpose of the Translational Center is to build infrastructure, develop methods, and create best practices for managing diverse digital health technologies data. This includes establishing a repository that will serve as a secure, cloud-based and federated data resource following the FAIR principles of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. By hosting, processing, analyzing, and integrating multi-modal datasets, the Center will advance the reuse of both legacy and newly generated data from NIH-funded Alzheimer’s and related dementia studies as well as data funded by other organizations. This central repository will aim to accelerate knowledge generation and support innovations in clinical and translational research. Applications for this opportunity are not yet being solicited, as this notice is intended to inform the research community in advance. The estimated posting date for the official announcement is February 27, 2026, with full applications expected to be due by May 25, 2026. The anticipated award date is April 25, 2027, with projects beginning on or after that date. This program will utilize the U54 cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating a substantial federal role in supporting and managing funded activities. The expected number of awards has not been specified, and no funding limits or program totals have been announced in the forecast. Eligibility for this program is broad, including state, county, city, and township governments; Native American tribal governments and organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; independent school districts; public housing authorities; special district governments; for-profit organizations of all sizes; small businesses; and other regional or community-based organizations. The notice also clarifies that federally recognized and non-recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, and eligible federal agencies may apply. Faith-based organizations and regional organizations are also eligible. No cost sharing or matching requirement is associated with this funding opportunity. The cooperative agreement structure implies close collaboration with NIH staff throughout the funded project’s lifecycle, including planning, execution, and evaluation. The funding falls under the Assistance Listing 93.866 for Aging Research, reinforcing its alignment with federal priorities in advancing dementia-related science and technology. For inquiries, applicants may contact Dr. Nadezda Radoja at the National Institute on Aging by phone at 240-447-1938 or via email at nadezda.radoja@nih.gov. This advance notice provides researchers and organizations with lead time to explore partnerships, develop innovative project designs, and prepare competitive proposals for the official release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity in 2026.