AD/ADRD Clinical Trials Short Course

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH), has forecasted a funding opportunity titled "AD/ADRD Clinical Trials Short Course." This initiative aims to address the critical need for a robust workforce to carry out clinical trials focused on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). The planned Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), expected to be published later in 2025, will support the development of short courses that equip the next generation of researchers with the necessary skills to conduct advanced clinical trials in this field. The primary objective of the program is to build capacity within the clinical research community by providing targeted training in the design, implementation, and management of trials focused on AD, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), and mixed dementias. Training will also extend to areas related to dementia care, intervention development, prevention strategies, and caregiver well-being. These educational programs are anticipated to be creative, innovative, and tailored to bridge current skill gaps in the dementia research field. The funding opportunity will utilize the NIH R25 activity code, which supports educational projects designed to enhance the training of health professionals and scientists. While the funding amount, number of awards, and allowable costs are not currently specified, the grant does not require cost sharing or matching. Spending will be confined to the scope outlined by the R25 mechanism and NIH guidelines, typically covering curriculum development, faculty support, trainee participation, and dissemination of educational materials. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include a wide range of entities such as public and private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), small businesses, for-profit entities (excluding small businesses), and county and state governments. This broad eligibility is intended to ensure a diverse and inclusive applicant pool with varying capabilities and perspectives in clinical trial education and implementation. As of June 27, 2025, the opportunity is classified as "Forecasted," with an estimated post date of September 1, 2025. The anticipated application due date is January 25, 2026. If awarded, projects are expected to commence by December 1, 2026. The estimated award notifications are projected to be sent out around the same date. These dates provide potential applicants ample time to build partnerships and develop responsive training course proposals aligned with the program’s objectives. Potential applicants are encouraged to begin preparing for the NOFO release by identifying collaboration opportunities and drafting concepts that align with NIA’s strategic direction in aging and dementia research. For further details or specific inquiries, interested parties may contact Laurie Ryan at the National Institute on Aging by phone at 301-496-9350 or via email at ryanl@mail.nih.gov.