The Research Infrastructure Development for Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (R61/R33 - Clinical Trial Optional) grant, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports the creation of novel research infrastructure to advance the science of aging. This funding opportunity is designed to stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations that address complex aging-related questions. It is part of a reissued notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), PAR-25-218, replacing PAR-23-053. The initiative is also supported by the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), reflecting an emphasis on addressing health disparities among women and considering sex as a biological variable in research.

This NOFO employs the R61/R33 Exploratory/Developmental Phased Award mechanism, which provides up to two years of initial support in the R61 phase for developmental activities, followed by up to three years in the R33 phase for expanded research activities. Applications must include both R61 and R33 phases, each with SMART milestones that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The total award period may not exceed five years. Awardees must show that the infrastructure developed will benefit the broader research community, not just the applicant’s individual research agenda.

Applications are encouraged across a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary topics aligned with the NIA's four research divisions: Aging Biology, Behavioral and Social Research, Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, and Neuroscience. Topics include machine learning for biological aging metrics, data infrastructure for longitudinal studies, harmonization of health datasets, multimorbidity, cognitive aging, caregiving, and interventions to promote functional independence in older adults. The ORWH further encourages proposals that enhance the health of women across their life course and incorporate considerations of sex differences and disparities.

Eligibility is broad and includes public and private higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits, state and local governments, tribal governments, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and more. However, foreign organizations and components are not eligible to apply, although foreign components within U.S.-based institutions may participate.

Applications must be submitted electronically via NIH’s ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional S2S systems. Required registrations include SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, all of which must be active prior to submission. Applicants must closely follow the instructions provided in the NIH Application Guide and this NOFO, including a comprehensive Data Management and Sharing Plan, milestones for both R61 and R33 phases, and appropriate human subjects protections and IRB documentation if applicable.

Key deadlines for submissions include July 2, 2025, and November 3, 2025, with corresponding review and award cycles starting as early as April 2026. The NOFO was posted on November 7, 2024, and will expire on December 3, 2025. Inquiries are encouraged and can be directed to Dr. Jean Yuan at the NIA or Dr. Chyren Hunter at the ORWH, with specific contacts provided for submission, review, and financial matters.