The National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute on Aging (NIA) is reissuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) under activity code P30 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed). This FOA, identified as RFA-AG-24-001, invites institutions to either establish or renew an ADRC with the aim of advancing research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). Successful applicants will receive core grant support along with a linked RL5 award to further educational projects related to the research center. The centers are intended to serve as national resources to foster cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research, offer innovative training opportunities, and share data and resources to benefit broader dementia-related studies.

The core purpose of this initiative is to promote research into the nature of AD/ADRD, focusing on improving diagnosis, care, treatment, and potential prevention strategies. Each center is expected to create an environment that fosters collaboration between biomedical, clinical, and behavioral investigators, as well as provide essential research resources, such as biological samples, clinical data, and standardized research tools. ADRCs will support projects that examine risk factors, mechanisms, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic approaches, while also focusing on disparities and health equity in dementia research. The initiative prioritizes understanding disease heterogeneity and conditions that co-occur with AD, such as vascular dementia and other neurodegenerative syndromes.

Applicants can request up to $2.925 million in direct costs annually, with a project period capped at five years. The NIA anticipates committing $32 million in FY 2024 to fund seven awards, with planned increases to $65 million for FY 2025 and FY 2026 to support additional centers. Awards will be made based on scientific merit, programmatic priorities, and the availability of funds. Institutions that apply must demonstrate significant ongoing dementia research activities, and must commit to providing shared resources and engaging in national research efforts, including collecting and transmitting data to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC).

Eligibility for this grant is limited to higher education institutions (public or private), nonprofits, and government entities. Notably, the program encourages applications from historically underrepresented institutions such as Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Each applicant institution may only submit one application, and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.

Applications must follow the specific submission requirements outlined in the NIH SF424 (R&R) application guide, and applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of intent 30 days before their application due date. The earliest submission date was May 14, 2023, with upcoming deadlines on June 14, 2024, and September 26, 2025. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time, and no late applications will be accepted. Applicants should carefully follow all guidelines to avoid delays or rejections.

Review criteria will focus on the scientific merit of the research proposal, the quality of the collaboration and data-sharing plans, and the center’s potential for innovation and community engagement. Additionally, a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) must be submitted to address how diversity in backgrounds and ideas will be integrated into the center's research activities. Successful applicants will be notified after advisory council reviews, with potential start dates in April 2024, April 2025, and July 2026, depending on the submission cycle.

Institutions interested in applying should ensure they are registered with all necessary systems, including the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Detailed instructions for the application process are available in the FOA, and potential applicants are encouraged to contact NIA program officials for further guidance.