The NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) Data Coordinating Center

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, is issuing a forecast for a cooperative agreement to establish the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) for the NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC). The IBDGC has made significant contributions to understanding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), identifying over 300 genetic risk loci for different subtypes and advancing biological insights. Despite these advances, IBD remains a chronic, severe, and heterogeneous disease with no cure. Management typically requires multiple interventions over a patient’s lifetime, and current medical practice lacks diagnostic biomarkers and accurate predictors for remission, recurrence, or therapy response. The consortium seeks to address these gaps by using patient cohorts, biospecimens, and new data science tools to integrate genetic, clinical, and environmental data in order to develop predictors of disease outcomes and advance precision medicine. The Data Coordinating Center will play a central role in organizing and facilitating the consortium’s research efforts. It will be responsible for coordinating collaboration among participating Genetic Research Centers, external scientific partners, and pilot projects. The DCC will also oversee participant enrollment, biospecimen collection and processing, and the submission of data and samples to central repositories. Its function is not only administrative but also scientific, ensuring high-quality data management and integration across multiple institutions and disciplines. Funding for this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, reflecting substantial NIH involvement in project planning and oversight. The anticipated total program funding is $1.6 million, with one award expected. Specific award ceilings or floors are not provided in the notice. Funds will support the operational and scientific responsibilities of the DCC, including data management, biospecimen processing, and coordination of large-scale collaborative projects. Cost-sharing or matching requirements are not applicable for this program. Eligibility is broad, covering a wide range of entities including higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, special district governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, and U.S. territories. Additional eligible applicants include federal agencies, foreign institutions, regional organizations, and faith-based or community-based organizations. This broad eligibility ensures that a wide range of scientific and administrative expertise can be brought to bear on the consortium’s goals. The forecast outlines a clear timeline for the competition. The notice was posted on September 18, 2025, with an estimated post date of August 1, 2026. Applications are expected to be due by November 1, 2026. The estimated award date is July 1, 2027, with funded projects starting on the same date. As a forecasted opportunity, the program is currently in the early engagement stage, meaning applicants should prepare for upcoming competition but cannot yet submit applications. There is no mention of pre-application requirements such as letters of intent in the forecast. Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov when the opportunity formally opens, and all standard NIH application requirements and review criteria will apply. Interested applicants should monitor the official announcement when released for final details on submission instructions, evaluation factors, and budget allowances. The primary contact for further information is Ludmila Pawlikowska, Ph.D., who can be reached by phone at 301-480-9372 or by email at Ludmila.pawlikowska@nih.gov. She can provide clarification and additional guidance once the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is released. In summary, this funding opportunity will ensure continued coordination and integration of the NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium’s efforts. By supporting the establishment and operation of the DCC, the NIH aims to strengthen the collaborative infrastructure necessary to accelerate the development of predictive tools, improve disease management, and advance precision medicine for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease.