Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has forecasted the funding opportunity titled “Cooperative Research Agreements Related to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01).” This grant opportunity is designed to support rigorous and impactful research that furthers understanding and treatment of health conditions associated with exposure during and after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This initiative operates within the framework of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors affected by the 9/11 attacks. NIOSH seeks research that addresses physical and mental health conditions that may be directly related to 9/11 exposures. Specific emphasis is placed on reducing diagnostic and treatment uncertainties related to WTC-related conditions, especially those that have developed over time since the establishment of the WTC Health Program. This grant aims to generate findings that not only improve care for WTC-affected populations but also inform responses to future disaster-related health emergencies. Populations of interest include WTC responders, screening-eligible survivors, and certified-eligible survivors. The research areas supported under this opportunity are wide-ranging. These include screening for health conditions, diagnostic tool development, treatment effectiveness and innovation (including telemedicine), prevention of disease recurrence, and improving quality of life. The scope also extends to omics research, health services analysis, epidemiology, and implementation science to ensure findings translate into real-world care improvements. NIOSH is particularly interested in research focusing on vulnerable and understudied populations, such as children exposed to 9/11 hazards, women, and racial and ethnic minority groups. All proposals should consider health equity in research design. The cooperative agreement will support up to 25 awards, with an estimated total funding of $41,250,000. Individual awards may be up to $550,000, with no cost-sharing or matching requirements. Projects are expected to start on July 1, 2026. The grant has a discretionary opportunity category and is administered under Assistance Listing 93.262 (Occupational Safety and Health Program). The funding opportunity is forecasted to open on June 4, 2025, with applications due by October 28, 2025. All electronic submissions must be completed by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the closing date. Eligibility is broad, encompassing state, county, and city governments; public and private institutions of higher education; school districts; Native American tribal organizations and governments; nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit entities; special district governments; public housing authorities; and small businesses. There are no geographic restrictions; the opportunity is available nationwide. Specific eligibility clarification may be included in the full application guidance upon release. For more information, applicants are encouraged to consult the WTC Health Program Research webpage for tools, the full research agenda, and details about past awardees. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dr. James Yiin, the Scientific Program Official, via phone at 513-841-4271 or email at JYiin@cdc.gov. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor Grants.gov for updates and prepare in advance for the official application opening.