Research on Current Topics in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Related Dementias (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and with added participation by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), issued a funding opportunity titled “Research on Current Topics in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Related Dementias (R21 Clinical Trial Optional).” This opportunity supports early-stage research projects that advance understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD), including Frontotemporal Dementia, Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia, Lewy Body Dementias, and Multiple Etiology Dementias. This initiative aligns with the goals of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which aims to prevent and treat AD/ADRD by 2025. It reflects the research priorities identified through NIH’s AD Research Summits and related forums. The purpose of this NOFO is to promote the development and dissemination of novel models, methods, or techniques that require preliminary data to be broadly implemented in AD/ADRD research. Applications can include animal models, tests, imaging tools, and other foundational research tools. Proposals may include or exclude clinical trials. While the specific priority topics are to be detailed in subsequent notices, applicants are expected to address current scientific gaps relevant to the multifactorial etiology and diverse manifestations of these dementias. Projects must be submitted via one of NIH’s designated electronic systems: NIH ASSIST, institutional system-to-system solutions, or Grants.gov Workspace. Applicants must follow the NIH “How to Apply – Application Guide” unless otherwise specified. This includes maintaining active registration in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. The PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information form is required if applicable. Applications must demonstrate attention to rigorous study design, especially regarding inclusion and representation of populations affected by AD/ADRD, including those with health disparities. Each grant may request no more than $275,000 in direct costs over two years, with a maximum of $200,000 in any single year. Projects must be completed within this two-year window. There is no cost-sharing requirement. NIA encourages applicants to use resources such as OutreachPro for inclusive recruitment and CROMS for project management. The application window opened on February 11, 2025, with due dates recurring on standard NIH cycles until the program’s early expiration date of November 20, 2025. The next expected open cycle is February 2026. Though this notice is now expired, applicants facing specific NIH exceptions for late or continuous submissions may still submit with approval. For support, applicants should contact the eRA Service Desk or program-specific contacts such as Philip Smith at NIA. Peer review and award cycles align with NIH’s established schedule, with potential earliest start dates ranging from December 2025 through July 2028 depending on submission.