Transition to Aging Research for Predoctoral Students

The Transition to Aging Research for Predoctoral Students is a forecasted funding opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically administered by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). This program aligns with the mission of NIA, which focuses on supporting and conducting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The grant reflects NIH’s broader commitment to nurturing the biomedical research workforce by fostering the development of early-career researchers, especially those entering the field of aging-related studies. This opportunity will offer a two-phase award designed to help exceptional late-stage graduate students transition into competitive, aging-focused postdoctoral positions. The funding will support students in completing their doctoral dissertations—regardless of whether their research directly falls within NIA's current research priorities—and will provide comprehensive training resources. These include structured mentorship and research support during the predoctoral phase, and a seamless shift into aging-relevant postdoctoral studies under the F99/K00 activity code. The primary objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to recruit, retain, and develop a new generation of aging-focused investigators across a variety of disciplines. NIA emphasizes inclusivity in research and seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds, fields, and institutions. Although specific allowable and unallowable costs have not been provided, the NOFO anticipates robust support mechanisms aimed at enabling scientific growth and academic mobility. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include a broad range of organizations, such as private and public institutions of higher education, small businesses, nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions), federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations, county governments, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. This wide eligibility underscores NIH’s intent to foster collaboration and inclusion in the field of aging research. Currently, this opportunity is not accepting applications but is forecasted to be officially posted on November 1, 2025. The estimated application due date is February 17, 2026, with awards anticipated to be granted by December 1, 2026, and project start dates expected the same day. These dates are estimates and are subject to change as the official NOFO has yet to be posted. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin early planning and collaboration to craft strong, responsive applications. For more information, potential applicants are advised to contact Jamie Lahvic, Ph.D., at the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Lahvic can be reached via email at NIATraining@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 240-930-0700. Since this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should continue to monitor Grants.gov and the NIH website for the formal Notice of Funding Opportunity and additional application instructions.