The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites applications for the P01 Research Program Project grant, focused on advancing scientific research related to aging. This opportunity encourages collaborative research projects under a unifying theme, with at least three related projects per application. Each project must demonstrate scientific merit on its own but also integrate with the overall objectives of the program. Additionally, the program must have an administrative core to manage project-wide activities, facilitate coordination among projects, and support the overall mission of the NIA. Eligible applicants may also propose one or more shared resource cores, designed to support at least two of the included projects.

For each P01 application, applicants can submit new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications. Revision applications can be used to expand an existing P01 grant by introducing new projects or expanding current ones within the original scope, though they cannot extend the project period of the original award. While overall clinical trials cannot be the primary theme of a P01 award, individual clinical trials are allowed as part of a single project within the broader research scope. NIA’s Clinical Research Operations Management System (CROMS) may be required to ensure data alignment and oversight for projects involving human subjects.

NIA will consider budgets exceeding $500,000 in any given year if justified and requested six weeks before submission, although P01 awards rarely exceed $2 million in direct costs. The maximum allowable project period is five years, with each project’s duration reflecting its specific research objectives. Applicants are required to comply with NIH and NIA submission and eligibility policies, including use of SF424 (R&R) forms and alignment with the NIH Policy on Late Submission for unforeseen delays.

Eligibility extends to higher education institutions, various nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and eligible agencies of the federal government. Foreign institutions are ineligible, though U.S.-based organizations may include foreign components in their projects if aligned with NIH policy. Registrations with the System for Award Management (SAM), eRA Commons, and Grants.gov are mandatory for applicant organizations, and registrations may take up to six weeks to process.

Applicants must include a letter of intent 30 days before the due date to facilitate planning and review. Required components for applications include detailed project descriptions, aims, and research strategy, as well as resource sharing plans and, if applicable, human subjects and clinical trials information. Letters of support should be included as appropriate, particularly for new or renewal applications, to demonstrate ongoing or proposed advisory relationships and to support core leadership activities.

Key dates for submission are January 25, May 25, and September 25 annually until September 8, 2025, with expected funding decisions following advisory council review.