Screening for Conditions by Electronic Nose Technology (SCENT III) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), has released a forecasted opportunity titled Screening for Conditions by Electronic Nose Technology (SCENT III). This funding program continues a line of research and development into noninvasive diagnostic tools that mimic the human olfactory system. Previous iterations of this effort have demonstrated the feasibility of using biosensing technologies to capture volatile organic compound (VOC) signatures from human skin, with analysis supported by artificial intelligence methods. These compounds serve as important biomarkers for many diseases, and their measurement may provide significant diagnostic and monitoring capabilities. The SCENT III initiative aims to refine sensing, detection, and analytical technologies for integration into diagnostic platforms that can be used in real-world settings. Unlike traditional methods that often require invasive, costly, or technically demanding laboratory procedures such as blood tests, this project is intended to create more accessible approaches that allow for monitoring of disease onset, progression, and resolution in situ. Such innovations are designed to complement, rather than replace, standard medical practices, contributing to the larger NCATS vision of accelerating the delivery of treatments to all populations. The scope of this opportunity is health-related, with a strong emphasis on translational applications that bridge basic science and clinical practice. Applicants are expected to focus on advancing systems engineering approaches that improve reliability and robustness of electronic nose platforms. Regulatory pathways and validation of safety and efficacy are important considerations for projects supported under this opportunity. Although no explicit funding amounts or ceilings have been forecasted at this time, the funding instrument will be a cooperative agreement, highlighting that NIH staff will have substantial involvement in project execution and oversight. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include city, county, and state governments; federally recognized and non-federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status; small businesses; independent school districts; U.S. territories; regional organizations; faith-based and community organizations; eligible federal agencies; and non-U.S. entities such as foreign institutions. This wide range of eligibility supports NIH’s intent to encourage diverse participation across organizational types and geographies. The timeline for this forecasted funding opportunity begins with an estimated posting date of February 5, 2026. The estimated application due date is June 5, 2026. Award announcements are anticipated in April 2027, with funded projects expected to begin in the same month. As this is a forecasted notice, specific submission mechanics, application forms, and evaluation criteria have not yet been provided but are expected to follow NIH’s standard application and peer review processes through Grants.gov and related federal portals. The funding opportunity is not expected to require cost sharing or matching. At this stage, award amounts, ceilings, and total program funding have not been specified, and applicants should await further details in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity when it is released. Questions regarding the program may be directed to the listed program officer, Leah Croucher, PhD, who can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 240-701-2580. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the official posting for updates as the February 2026 release approaches.