The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging (NIA), has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under RFA-AG-25-008 for the establishment or renewal of a Demography and Economics of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Coordinating Center (D&E CC). This U24 funding opportunity supports a Coordinating Center aimed at enhancing communication, collaboration, and scientific progress among the Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging (D&E Centers), and fostering partnerships with other NIA-supported centers and infrastructures.

The primary purpose of the Coordinating Center is to serve as a central hub for facilitating the activities of the D&E Centers, promoting cross-center synergies, and ensuring effective dissemination of research findings related to aging, demography, economics, and AD/ADRD. The D&E CC will also engage a wide range of scholars, including those from diverse backgrounds, and help foster career development through training and mentorship activities.

The NIA anticipates committing $1.32 million in FY 2025 to fund one award. The project period may extend up to six years, with a budget capped at $800,000 in first-year direct costs. Applicants must submit their proposals by January 10, 2025, with a start date anticipated in September 2025. The NOFO also outlines a phased approach, with milestones required by the end of the first two years to transition into Phase 2 of the award. Phase 1 milestones include establishing a public-facing website, organizing annual meetings, and setting up systems for tracking and reporting D&E Center activities.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, local governments, and other entities listed under Section III of the NOFO. Foreign organizations are not eligible, but foreign components may be included as part of U.S.-based applications. The Coordinating Center must demonstrate significant expertise in social science aging research and experience in program coordination and collaboration.

Applicants are expected to collaborate with NIA staff and D&E Centers to meet the program’s objectives, including fostering communication, organizing events, and tracking the progress of individual Centers. Proposals should clearly describe how the Coordinating Center will enhance the overall effectiveness of the D&E Centers Program, particularly in advancing research related to AD/ADRD and addressing health disparities.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of intent by December 10, 2024, and must follow NIH’s detailed application submission guidelines.