NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | RFA AG 26 010

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AG 26 010

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering this grant opportunity to support research education programs focused on Alzheimers Disease (AD) and Alzheimers Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The funding mechanism is an NIH R25 Research Education Program, and the specific opportunity is titled "NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" (Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-AG-26-010; CFDA: 93.866). The program is designed to strengthen and expand the AD/ADRD research workforce by creating structured, high-quality research education experiences for individuals who have recently earned a bachelors degree.

The central purpose is workforce development at an early career stage. The NOFO emphasizes providing meaningful exposure to AD/ADRD research for recent baccalaureates from all backgrounds, with explicit attention to expanding participation among individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. In practical terms, applicants are expected to build and run programs that offer intensive research experiences in AD/ADRD-relevant areas, helping participants gain the skills, mentorship, and professional development needed to become competitive candidates for research-focused PhD, MD/PhD, or other advanced degree programs, or to enter the private sector in research-oriented roles tied to AD-related disciplines.

This is not a clinical trial mechanism. The announcement is labeled "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed," meaning the proposed research education program should not be built around conducting an independent clinical trial as part of the application. The focus is on training and education through research experiences rather than running clinical trials under the R25 award.

A wide range of domestic organizations may apply. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The NOFO also notes additional eligible applicant types such as faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are not eligible, and foreign components (as defined by NIH policy) are not allowed, reinforcing that supported activities must be entirely domestic in scope.

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and uses the grant funding instrument under the health funding activity category. The listed award ceiling is $400,000. The NOFO was created on 2025-09-02, and the original application due date (closing date) is 2027-05-26. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided information.

Overall, this NOFO is aimed at organizations that can create a well-mentored, research-intensive postbaccalaureate education environment centered on AD/ADRD. The goal is to build a stronger pipeline of future scientists and research professionals by giving recent graduates early, sustained exposure to AD/ADRD research, strengthening their readiness for the next step in the research career pathway.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD (ERA) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (R25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-09-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-05-26.
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $400,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA AG 26 010

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