Renewal of NIA Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the National Institutes of Health, is forecasting the renewal of the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN). The RCCN aims to deepen interdisciplinary collaboration across the seven NIA research centers by leveraging collective expertise and investments in aging research. Through this initiative, NIA supports innovative approaches that bridge gaps among research domains, strengthen scientific exchange, and accelerate the advancement of aging-related health interventions and knowledge. This renewal opportunity emphasizes both continuity and expansion. In addition to continuing the RCCN's established activities, such as cross-center collaboration and integration, the NOFO encourages proposals that introduce new initiatives. These include special pilot funding programs, faculty exchange schemes with a focus on new and early-stage investigators, and improved collaboration tools and mentorship infrastructure. The emphasis is on fostering robust, scalable, and inclusive networks that support long-term collaboration and innovation. The opportunity is being offered under the U24 cooperative agreement mechanism, which involves substantial programmatic involvement from NIH staff. Although the funding opportunity is not yet open for application, the forecast provides ample lead time for interested applicants to form meaningful collaborations and design impactful projects. The application is expected to open in March 2026 with a due date of May 25, 2026. The anticipated project start and award date is April 1, 2027. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements associated with this opportunity, and the program is open to a wide range of U.S.-based applicants including higher education institutions, local and state governments, tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit and for-profit entities, and special district governments. Faith-based, community-based, and regional organizations, as well as eligible federal agencies and U.S. territories, are also permitted to apply. Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, promote innovation, and extend the reach of aging research. Investigators should ensure their proposals demonstrate clear strategies for advancing the RCCN’s mission, including tangible collaboration mechanisms, support for junior faculty, and integration across disciplines. For more information, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Amelia Karraker at amelia.karraker@nih.gov or by phone at 301-496-3131. This early notice serves to catalyze strategic preparation and stakeholder engagement ahead of the NOFO’s expected release.