The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First), administered through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund along with other NIH Institutes and Centers, is planning to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the continued development of the Pediatric Data Resource Center. This upcoming opportunity, referenced under number NOT-RM-25-035, is categorized under discretionary funding and will utilize a cooperative agreement funding instrument (U2C Clinical Trials Not Allowed). This NOFO aims to enhance efforts in understanding the biology of childhood cancers and congenital anomalies by fostering data sharing, expanding training in cloud-based computational analysis, and enabling researchers with varying levels of bioinformatics experience to access and use these data effectively.
The core objective of this initiative is to further develop the Pediatric Data Resource Center, with a special focus on broadening its accessibility and usability across the research community. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative proposals that combine expertise in data resource development with skills in dissemination training. This collaborative approach is intended to amplify the center’s capacity to serve as a national hub for pediatric cancer and congenital anomaly research data.
The total estimated funding for the program is $5,200,000, though specific award ceilings and floors have not been set. The initiative does not require cost sharing or matching funds. The estimated posting date for the funding opportunity is July 30, 2025, with an anticipated application due date of October 30, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced by July 30, 2026, with projects set to commence on the same day.
Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of organizational types such as state governments, county governments, public housing authorities, tribal governments and organizations (both Federally recognized and other), independent school districts, higher education institutions (both public and private), 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.
Applications are not currently being solicited, as this is a forecasted opportunity intended to allow prospective applicants sufficient preparation time. Investigators with relevant experience in building data resources and cloud-based analysis systems, as well as those involved in training and dissemination, are especially encouraged to begin forming partnerships and considering application strategies for when the NOFO is officially released.
For further information or questions, interested applicants can contact Concepcion R. Nierras, Ph.D., from the Office of Strategic Coordination (OSC), DPCPSI, OD at the NIH. She can be reached by phone at 301-435-5840 or via email at concepcion.nierras@nih.gov.
