Aging Mammalian Tissues In Vitro (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
ID: 359723Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Health

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the "Aging Mammalian Tissues In Vitro (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" funding opportunity, aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research in developing complex 3D in vitro microphysiological systems (MPS) that model aging processes observed in vivo. The initiative primarily focuses on human cell-derived MPS, encouraging innovative approaches from various fields such as aging biology, stem cell biology, and bioengineering, with the goal of enhancing the adoption of MPS in aging biology research and drug discovery. NIH plans to allocate $2.4 million in FY 2026 for approximately 10 awards, with each project budget capped at $275,000 in direct costs over two years. Interested applicants can find more details and submit inquiries via grantsinfo@nih.gov, with applications due by October 20, 2025.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Aging (NIA), is inviting applications for the "Aging Mammalian Tissues In Vitro (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" funding opportunity. This initiative seeks interdisciplinary research to develop complex mammalian 3D in vitro microphysiological systems (MPS) that model aging processes observed in vivo, primarily focusing on human cell-derived MPS. The R21 activity code supports exploratory research, not requiring preliminary data, and emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches from fields like aging biology, stem cell biology, bioengineering, and computational biology. The goal is to advance MPS adoption in aging biology research and drug discovery. NIA intends to commit $2.4 million in FY 2026 for approximately 10 awards, with budgets limited to $275,000 in direct costs over two years. Eligible applicants include various higher education institutions, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations, with foreign organizations generally excluded. Applications must define the 3D in vitro system, explain the approach to attaining aging phenotypes, specify measurable aging phenotypes, and benchmark the MPS against known in vivo human aging parameters or relevant animal models. The review process will prioritize the importance of research, rigor, feasibility, expertise, and resources, with an emphasis on innovation and the potential for significant impact.
    Similar Opportunities
    Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R21 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity through the R21 grant mechanism to support the development of next-generation human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS) that accurately replicate the architectures and functions of the human nervous system. This initiative aims to encourage high-risk, high-reward exploratory research, particularly relevant for addressing complex nervous system disorders, and is open to a diverse range of eligible applicants, including educational institutions, non-profits, and governmental entities. The funding, capped at $275,000 over a two-year period, emphasizes collaboration among experts in neurobiology, engineering, and ethics, and applications must adhere to NIH data management and sharing policies. Interested parties can find more information and submit inquiries via grantsinfo@nih.gov, with the application deadline set for January 7, 2026.
    Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing research in the development of next-generation human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS) that accurately replicate complex nervous system physiology. This funding opportunity, under the R01 Research Project Grant mechanism, encourages innovative applications that focus on enhancing existing technologies and creating sophisticated models for studying the nervous system's development, function, and aging, while explicitly excluding clinical trial projects. Eligible applicants include a diverse range of organizations, such as educational institutions and community-based organizations, with no specific budget limits as long as costs align with the proposed research. Interested parties should note that the application submission period opens on January 3, 2025, with a closing date of January 7, 2026, and are encouraged to contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov for further inquiries.
    Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)," aimed at advancing research in human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS) that replicate complex nervous system architectures and functions. This initiative seeks innovative applications that address technological barriers in studying nervous system development and diseases, with a focus on improving physiological relevance and circuit-level activity in existing assays. The funding is open to a wide range of eligible applicants, including higher education institutions and non-profits, with a project period of up to five years and no cost-sharing requirement. Interested parties should note that the application deadline is January 7, 2026, and can find more information by contacting NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov or visiting the announcement page at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-23-046.html.
    Complex Integrated Multi-Component Projects in Aging Research (U19 Clinical Trial Optional)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Complex Integrated Multi-Component Projects in Aging Research (U19 Clinical Trial Optional) grant, aimed at supporting large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects focused on aging. This opportunity encourages the formation of collaborative teams that will propose integrated research programs addressing a common hypothesis related to aging, with an emphasis on coordination among various project components. While applications are not currently being solicited, potential applicants are encouraged to prepare meaningful collaborations and responsive projects in anticipation of the upcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), with an estimated synopsis posting date of March 25, 2026, and a closing date of May 25, 2026. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the NIA Scientific Contact at niascicontact@mail.nih.gov.
    Collaborative Awards to Support Microphysiological System Pilot Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Research
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a grant opportunity titled "Collaborative Awards to Support Microphysiological System Pilot Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Research." This initiative aims to solicit applications for research focused on microphysiological systems (MPSs) that model type 2 diabetes, encouraging collaborative investigations that combine expertise in bioengineering, diabetes biology, and human metabolism. The program is particularly significant as it seeks to advance understanding of metabolic tissue interactions and the heterogeneity of type 2 diabetes, supporting small pilot studies to generate preliminary data. The estimated total funding for this program is $1,000,000, with four awards expected, and interested applicants can reach out to Dr. Albert J. Hwa at albert.hwa@nih.gov or by phone at 301-451-1525 for further information. The application process is anticipated to open with a synopsis posted on April 1, 2026, and close on July 5, 2026, with awards expected to be made in January 2027.
    Intramural - Extramural Collaboration for Advanced 3-D Tissue Models for Drug Screening (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Intramural - Extramural Collaboration for Advanced 3-D Tissue Models for Drug Screening," aimed at developing and validating advanced 3-D tissue models for drug efficacy testing. This initiative seeks to create non-animal models that accurately mimic the physiological properties of human tissues, thereby enhancing the predictive accuracy of drug screening processes. With an estimated total program funding of $1,600,000 and the expectation of awarding two grants, interested applicants are encouraged to utilize the resources available at the NCATS 3-D Bioprinting laboratory. The application process is open to various eligible entities, excluding non-domestic applicants, with a submission deadline anticipated by June 16, 2026. For further inquiries, potential applicants can contact Dobrila D. Rudnicki, Ph.D., at dobrila.rudnicki@nih.gov or by phone at 240-535-6621.
    Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mammalian Models for Translational Research (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mammalian Models for Translational Research (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This initiative invites applications aimed at improving the utility of mammalian cancer models, including organoids and tumoroids, to better represent human biology and address translational deficiencies in existing models. The funding seeks to advance cancer research by fostering innovative approaches to validate these models and enhance their clinical relevance, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes. Eligible applicants can receive up to $499,000 per year for a maximum of five years, with applications due by September 7, 2026. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov or visit the additional information link at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-23-281.html.
    Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mammalian Models for Translational Research (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Research Projects to Enhance Applicability of Mammalian Models for Translational Research (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," aimed at improving the utility of mammalian cancer models in translational research. This initiative seeks projects that enhance the accuracy and application of models, such as organoids and tumoroids, to better represent human biology and inform clinical practices, addressing current limitations and fostering innovation in cancer research methodologies. Eligible applicants include a diverse range of organizations, such as higher education institutions and community-based organizations, with a maximum funding amount of $499,000 per year for projects not exceeding five years. Interested parties should submit their applications through Grants.gov, with deadlines beginning January 5, 2025, and can direct inquiries to grantsinfo@nih.gov for further information.
    Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet):Technology Projects (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is announcing a funding opportunity for the Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet): Technology Projects (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), aimed at small businesses. This initiative seeks to advance understanding of cellular senescence and its implications for health and disease by developing innovative tools and technologies to identify and characterize senescent cells, ultimately facilitating the creation of senotherapeutic strategies. With an estimated total program funding of $6 million and approximately 15 awards anticipated, interested applicants are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals ahead of the expected application solicitation, which will be published in October 2025, with a closing date in December 2025. For further inquiries, potential applicants can contact Ajay Pillai at ajay.pillai3@nih.gov or by phone at 301-538-4811.
    Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Facilitating Preclinical and Early Phase Human Studies for New Therapeutics (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
    National Institutes of Health
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) plans to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for facilitating preclinical and early phase human studies for new therapeutics, specifically targeting aging-related conditions. This initiative aims to advance T1 translational aging research, focusing on therapeutics that progress from preclinical stages to first-in-human trials, addressing conditions such as sarcopenia and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The funding opportunity, categorized under health-related activities, will utilize the UG3/UH3 Cooperative Agreement mechanism, with an estimated total program funding of $2.5 million. Interested applicants should prepare to submit their applications by fall 2024, with the NOFO expected to be published in summer 2024 and awards anticipated by July 2025.