Enhancement and Management of Established Biomedical Data Repositories and Knowledgebases (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Enhancement and Management of Established Biomedical Data Repositories and Knowledgebases under the U24 activity code. This cooperative agreement mechanism is intended to strengthen the biomedical data ecosystem by supporting repositories and knowledgebases that are already established, widely used, and have demonstrated impact within the biomedical research community. The participating Institutes and Centers include a wide range of NIH components such as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, the Office of Data Science Strategy, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Aging, and many others, reflecting the broad scope of research areas relevant to this program. The funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of the FAIR Data Principles, ensuring that funded resources are Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. NIH distinguishes between repositories, which primarily ingest, validate, and distribute datasets, and knowledgebases, which extract, annotate, and link bodies of knowledge derived from these datasets. This program does not support the creation of new repositories or hypothesis-driven research, but rather focuses on resources that have reached a mature stage, are integral to biomedical research, and require sustained support for continued operations, governance, and community engagement. The scope covers biological, social, and behavioral data across multiple scales, from molecular and cellular to population-level studies. Applications must demonstrate scientific impact, efficient operations, adherence to community standards, and ongoing community engagement. Projects are expected to employ good data management practices, engage external advisory committees, and develop long-term sustainability and transition plans. Support for software and tools is allowable only when directly tied to the efficient operation of the data resource. Proposals should show evidence of usage, utility, and measurable impact on research communities. Non-responsive applications include those proposing new resources, combined repository-knowledgebase projects, experimental data generation, or those not aligned with a participating Institute’s mission. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S.-based and foreign entities, including higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, tribal governments, and foreign institutions. Individuals with the skills and expertise to lead such projects may apply, and multiple principal investigators are permitted. Foreign organizations and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations may also apply, consistent with NIH’s global research mission. No cost-sharing or matching is required under this opportunity. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov using NIH ASSIST, system-to-system solutions, or Workspace, with required registrations completed in advance, including SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Letters of intent are strongly encouraged and are due 60 days before application deadlines. Standard NIH due dates apply, with upcoming deadlines on July 27, 2025; November 26, 2025; September 25, 2025; and January 25, 2026. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. The program is recurring, with an expiration date of January 26, 2026. Review of applications will follow NIH’s peer review criteria, with emphasis on significance, investigators, innovation, approach, environment, and governance. Applications will be scored based on their likelihood of exerting sustained impact, alignment with NIH priorities, and strength of management and sustainability plans. Award notices will be issued following council review, and projects may be funded for up to five years. The number of awards depends on appropriations and merit; the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke anticipates supporting up to two awards annually. Applications with direct costs over $500,000 require prior consultation with NIH program staff. Inquiries about this opportunity should be directed to the NIH Office of Data Science Strategy. The primary scientific and research contact email is drkb-foa@nih.gov. Questions about financial or grants management can be addressed to Joseph Miree at the Office of Data Science Strategy, reachable at 301-402-2470 or joseph.miree@nih.gov. General application questions may be sent to GrantsInfo@nih.gov, or applicants may contact the eRA Service Desk and Grants.gov support centers for technical assistance. This program represents a significant investment in the stewardship and sustainability of biomedical data resources that serve as a foundation for health research across NIH-supported domains.

Applicants should consult NIH staff early, especially if requesting >$500,000 in direct costs. Letters of intent are strongly encouraged.