Assessment and Evaluation of Emerging Health Conditions Relevant to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled "Assessment and Evaluation of Emerging Health Conditions Relevant to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)" under opportunity number RFA-OH-26-002. This grant program is intended to expand research into physical and mental health conditions that may have emerged among individuals affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program to monitor, evaluate, and support the health of 9/11 responders and survivors, particularly in light of new or previously uncertain medical conditions linked to the exposure. This funding opportunity is part of a cooperative agreement mechanism and is expected to support up to 20 projects with a total anticipated program funding of $33 million. Each award may provide up to $550,000 in funding, though the lower limit of awardable funding is not specified and is effectively open. The research areas of focus include conditions with emerging evidence of a possible association with 9/11 exposures, including but not limited to ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A key goal is to generate robust data that can inform WTC Health Program policy, including the potential inclusion of additional conditions as officially recognized WTC-related health conditions. This opportunity prioritizes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, especially those that integrate health equity considerations and focus on vulnerable populations such as women, children, and minorities exposed to the 9/11 disaster. The funder explicitly encourages projects that identify at-risk groups, assess disease burden, and inform clinical care protocols. Eligible applicants include a wide array of entities such as public and private higher education institutions, local and tribal governments, public housing authorities, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, independent school districts, and small businesses. The eligibility is broad and inclusive, reinforcing the funder's commitment to a diverse applicant pool capable of addressing the multifaceted nature of emerging health challenges among 9/11-exposed populations. The forecast indicates that applications will be accepted starting June 4, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 28, 2025. All electronic applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on the deadline date. Awards are expected to be announced by June 26, 2026, with project start dates beginning July 1, 2026. The opportunity does not require matching funds, and all eligible U.S. entities may apply without geographic limitation. Applicants seeking further clarification or programmatic support may contact Dr. James Yiin, the Scientific Program Official at CDC/NIOSH. He can be reached at 513-841-4271 or via email at JYiin@cdc.gov. The official CDC resource page on WTC Health Program petitions and previous research awards offers additional background and examples of health conditions under consideration. Researchers are advised to consult these materials to align proposals with current program interests.