Epilepsy Incidence Among Children in the United States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering funding under the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) RFA-DP-25-038, titled Epilepsy Incidence Among Children in the United States. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to estimate the overall epilepsy incidence among U.S. children aged 0–17 years, examine disparities in epilepsy incidence rates based on demographic, geographic, and social determinants of health, and identify risk factors associated with epilepsy development. The research aims to leverage advanced data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, to improve accuracy in identifying epilepsy cases and analyzing contributing factors. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments, non-profits with 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, and other specified entities. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, but foreign components of U.S. organizations are permitted. Applicants must demonstrate access to datasets relevant to the study and include documentation of agreements or permissions for data use. Additionally, all applicants must have active registrations with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. The CDC anticipates funding one award, with a total estimated funding of $1.6 million over a four-year project period, from September 30, 2025, to September 29, 2029. The ceiling for funding in the first year is $500,000. Funding is contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and alignment with CDC priorities. The project is expected to produce nationally representative or near-representative findings on epilepsy incidence and disparities, stratified by demographic and social factors. Applications must include a well-structured research plan outlining epidemiological methods, statistical analysis approaches, risk factor assessment, and plans for evaluating incidence disparities. The proposal should incorporate measurable objectives, such as calculating national epilepsy incidence rates with statistical significance, stratifying rates by demographic factors, and identifying fetal brain development and other risk factors associated with epilepsy. A detailed dissemination plan for sharing research findings must also be included. Key dates include a letter of intent due by December 12, 2024, and the application submission deadline on January 23, 2025. Scientific merit review is scheduled for March 19, 2025, and secondary review on April 30, 2025, with awards expected to be announced by September 30, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project’s significance, the expertise of the research team, innovation in methods and approaches, the robustness of the proposed statistical analysis, and the feasibility of achieving the study's objectives. The CDC will have substantial programmatic involvement in guiding and monitoring the project, and the recipient will be required to provide annual and final performance reports, financial documentation, and compliance with all federal regulations. For further information, applicants are encouraged to contact the Scientific Program Official, Natalie Brown, at *nbrown3@cdc.gov*, or refer to the full NOFO on Grants.gov.