Genomic Variant Interactions With Other Variants Or The Environment (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is preparing to launch a new funding initiative titled "Genomic Variant Interactions With Other Variants Or The Environment (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)." This upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to support research investigating the interactions of genomic variants with other genetic variants or environmental factors. This research aims to go beyond additive effects to determine how such interactions influence the impact of variants. It falls under the broader mission of the NHGRI to advance understanding of human genomics and to apply this knowledge to improve health. The funding will be allocated through cooperative agreements and aims to support research centers that will build and apply frameworks for identifying meaningful genetic and environmental interactions. These centers will experimentally test combinations of genomic variants and interactions, aiming to provide predictive structures that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of variant testing. These insights are expected to enhance understanding of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the refinement of polygenic risk scores. Funded centers will collaborate as part of the IGVF Consortium. Their responsibilities include coordinating research activities, harmonizing approaches for selecting variants, assays, and cell types, and ensuring that consortium-generated resources are accessible to a wide array of scientific users. A significant emphasis will be placed on consortium-wide coordination and collaboration to achieve collective goals. This opportunity does not allow clinical trials. Applicants must be from eligible organizations, which include U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based institutions such as public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, Native American tribal organizations (including both federally and non-federally recognized entities), public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions), for-profit organizations, and government entities at the state, county, and small business levels. Foreign organizations and foreign components of U.S. institutions are also eligible, in accordance with NIH Grants Policy. The estimated total program funding is $10 million, with an anticipated five awards. The estimated publication date of the NOFO is June 23, 2025. Applications will be due by August 22, 2025, and awards are expected to be announced by May 25, 2026, with funded projects starting on the same date. Cost sharing or matching is not required. This funding opportunity is forecasted and does not yet include an active application package. Interested applicants should monitor the NIH and Grants.gov websites for updates and prepare for the eventual release of the NOFO. For further details, potential applicants may contact Mike Pazin at the NHGRI via email at michael.pazin@nih.gov or by phone at 301-480-2629.

Applicants are encouraged to begin developing meaningful collaborations and project plans in anticipation of the formal NOFO.