Forecast for The NINDS Human Biospecimen and Data Repository (U24 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forecasted funding opportunity titled “The NINDS Human Biospecimen and Data Repository” under the funding mechanism U24 (Cooperative Agreement). This initiative aims to maintain and expand a centralized biorepository supporting NINDS’s mission to promote research in neurological disorders. The repository will serve as a national resource, housing human biospecimens and associated data for qualified academic and industry researchers to facilitate basic, translational, and clinical neurological research. The primary goal of this program is to support the infrastructure needed to preserve existing biospecimen collections and allow for their strategic expansion. It also emphasizes broad distribution of these biospecimens and data to the research community, encouraging advancements in the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. The cooperative agreement framework allows for substantial involvement from NIH program staff, particularly in providing oversight and coordination. This forecasted funding opportunity is expected to be formally posted on August 25, 2025, with applications due by October 24, 2025. The projected award date is June 1, 2026, and funded projects are anticipated to commence on July 1, 2026. A total of approximately $1.95 million in funding is expected to be available, with one award to be made under this solicitation. No cost-sharing or matching is required to participate in this funding opportunity. Eligibility to apply is broad and includes state and county governments, city or township governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit entities (excluding small businesses), tribal organizations, independent school districts, and public housing authorities. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in biobanking, and collaborations incorporating both biobanking and data management expertise are especially encouraged. Applicants are advised that applications are not currently being accepted; this forecast is provided to allow sufficient time for planning, collaboration, and preparation. Investigators interested in this opportunity are encouraged to consider forming strategic partnerships in anticipation of the NOFO release. Questions about this funding opportunity should be directed to Rebecca Price, Ph.D., at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. She can be reached by phone at 301-827-3587 or via email at rebecca.price@nih.gov.