Advanced-Stage Development and Utilization of Research Infrastructure for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (R33 Clinical Trial Optional)

The "Advanced-Stage Development and Utilization of Research Infrastructure for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies" grant (PAR-25-219), managed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) with participation from the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), offers funding to support the development and sustainability of research infrastructure that advances interdisciplinary aging research. Using the NIH R33 funding mechanism, this opportunity is designed for applicants who already have foundational infrastructure and seek support for further expansion. The infrastructure developed must support interdisciplinary projects that address important questions in aging science and provide resources for a broader research community rather than serving only the applicants’ interests. This funding opportunity supports a range of interdisciplinary topics in aging across NIA’s four divisions and ORWH, including topics like molecular biomarkers of aging, behavioral factors affecting aging, health systems for elder care, early life impacts on aging, neurodegeneration, and sex-specific health issues. Applications must emphasize the use of innovative methods or collaborations to support new knowledge, resources, or interventions. The goal is to create durable infrastructure to facilitate future research and ultimately improve aging-related health outcomes, including equitable health across diverse groups. Key activities eligible for support under this grant include convening collaborative meetings, conducting secondary analyses, merging data sets, scaling up data infrastructure, sharing findings, and providing training for early-career researchers. Pilot projects and small-scale trials for developing new diagnostics or interventions are also permissible. Proposed activities should offer clear milestones and timelines, showing both feasibility and relevance to the wider aging research community. The grant allows for an award budget up to $500,000 per year in direct costs (excluding consortium costs) and a project period of up to five years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and government agencies, but non-U.S. entities and their components are not eligible. NIH’s guidelines for human subjects research, data sharing, and IRB review apply, and adherence to NIA’s Clinical Research Operations Management System is expected for clinical studies. Reviewers will evaluate proposals on scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, the potential to support community-wide infrastructure, and alignment with programmatic priorities in aging research. Applicants are advised to contact NIA program officers to ensure alignment with funding goals. The first submission deadline is July 2, 2025, with subsequent deadlines through December 2025. Applicants should consult Section VII of the NOFO for full contact details, including the program officer, peer review contact, and grants management officer at NIA.