Coordinating Center for National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders

The Coordinating Center for the National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders is a funding opportunity under the National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIDCD is committed to advancing scientific knowledge about hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language, with a strong focus on supporting biomedical and behavioral research. Through this opportunity, the NIDCD seeks to enhance the coordination and communication among laboratories studying the human auditory and vestibular systems using temporal bone specimens. This grant opportunity focuses on establishing a Coordinating Center that will serve as the central node for the National Human Ear Resource Network. The network is a national-level technological resource that provides access to human inner and middle ear tissues, which are essential for basic and clinical research on hearing and balance. The overarching goal is to facilitate the expanded use of human temporal bones in scientific studies and to foster collaborations among laboratories across the United States that conduct such research. The selected Coordinating Center will be responsible for multiple core functions. These include chairing and organizing regular meetings among participating laboratories within the Network, and closely collaborating with NIDCD staff. The Center will also be tasked with disseminating information about Network activities to the broader scientific and clinical communities. By fostering communication among researchers, the Center aims to streamline and amplify the impact of auditory and vestibular research using human tissues. The estimated total program funding is $100,000, with an award ceiling also set at $100,000. Only one award is expected to be issued. The cooperative agreement mechanism will be used, indicating a substantial level of involvement from NIDCD staff in the planning, execution, and evaluation of the Center’s activities. No cost-sharing or matching requirement is mandated for applicants. The fiscal year for this opportunity is 2027, and the estimated project start date is August 1, 2027. Eligible applicants span a broad range of organizations, including public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations (both federally recognized and other), small businesses, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and other domestic and foreign institutions. This inclusive eligibility ensures wide participation from research institutions across the U.S. and internationally. The opportunity is currently forecasted, with an estimated post date of March 7, 2026. Applications are expected to be due by September 29, 2026. The award announcement is anticipated by July 31, 2027, with projects beginning the following day. No pre-application types such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers are mentioned, suggesting a straightforward application process once the NOFO is officially released. Applicants will be expected to apply via Grants.gov, and further inquiries can be directed to the NIDCD Division of Scientific Programs by email.