IGVF Data and Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical trials Not Allowed)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a forecast for a funding opportunity titled “IGVF Data and Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical trials Not Allowed)” under opportunity number FOR-HG-25-019. This initiative will be implemented via a cooperative agreement mechanism (U24) and falls within the broader scope of the NIH’s mission to improve health through genomic research. The specific focus here is to support the development and operations of the Data and Coordinating Center (DACC) for the Impact of Genomic Variation on Function (IGVF) Consortium. The DACC will serve as the central infrastructure for the consortium’s collaborative work, data sharing, and resource coordination. The IGVF Consortium aims to advance understanding of how genomic variation affects biological function, a crucial step in elucidating the genetic underpinnings of human health and disease. The DACC will be responsible for maintaining and expanding a publicly accessible catalog and data portal of measured and predicted variant impacts. This catalog will not only support internal consortium research but also engage the broader scientific community by incorporating external feedback into its design. The DACC is expected to facilitate consortium-wide data coordination, promote resource interoperability, and enhance scientific collaboration across genomics research domains. This funding opportunity will not support clinical trials. The cooperative agreement framework indicates substantial NIH involvement in the project, particularly in governance and oversight. The awarded center will be expected to organize meetings, coordinate research activities, and partner with other NIH consortia and external genomic initiatives. Applicants should demonstrate capacity for large-scale data integration, system development, and coordination of complex multi-institutional efforts. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes state and local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, independent school districts, higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status, for-profit entities including small businesses, and public housing authorities. The opportunity is available nationwide, and all U.S. states and territories are eligible to apply. Cost sharing or matching is not required, and the estimated total funding for this opportunity is $1,200,000. However, specific award ceilings and floors were not provided in the forecast. The application period is forecasted to open on May 16, 2025, with an application due date of July 15, 2025. Award decisions are expected to be made by April 1, 2026, which is also the anticipated project start date. This is not a rolling submission and is not marked as a recurring opportunity, so potential applicants should take note of the specific submission window. This advance notice is intended to give institutions ample time to prepare proposals and establish meaningful collaborations before the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is formally released. For further details, interested parties are advised to contact Dr. Stephanie A. Morris at the NHGRI. She can be reached via email at morriss2@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-435-5738. Her contact information is provided to support potential applicants in clarifying project requirements or scope during the pre-application phase.