Research on Current Topics in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Related Dementias (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 25 332

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 332

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting applications for an R01 grant opportunity titled "Research on Current Topics in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Related Dementias (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)," under Funding Opportunity Number PAR 25-332. This is a discretionary grant mechanism in the health research category (CFDA 93.853 and 93.866) aimed at supporting research projects that address timely, high-priority scientific questions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD). A key feature of this opportunity is that clinical trials are optional, meaning applicants may propose either studies that include a clinical trial component or research that does not, as long as the work aligns with the evolving topic priorities covered by the announcement.

The central purpose of the NOFO is to create a flexible funding pathway for research on "current topics" in AD/ADRD, with the specific high-priority areas to be refined and communicated over time. NIH indicates that additional guidance on those priority topics will be released through a series of follow-on Notices published after this NOFO. In practical terms, this means applicants are expected to track subsequent NIH notices that clarify or spotlight the most urgent scientific and public health needs, and to shape their research aims to fit those announced priorities. This structure is often used when the agency wants to maintain a stable application route while keeping the scientific targets responsive to new discoveries, emerging gaps, and shifting public health demands in the dementia field.

Eligibility for this program is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants span state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Higher education institutions are eligible, including public/state-controlled and private institutions. Tribal entities are explicitly included, covering federally recognized Native American tribal governments as well as Native American tribal organizations and other-than-federally recognized tribal governments. The program also welcomes participation from nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status, and from for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses. NIH also calls out additional eligible applicant categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility is designed to encourage diverse research teams and settings, including community-facing organizations and international partners, to contribute to AD/ADRD research priorities.

The opportunity was created on December 30, 2024, and lists an original closing date of November 5, 2027, indicating a multi-year window during which applications may be accepted according to the NIH receipt schedule and any stated due dates under the NOFO. The source data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, which typically means interested applicants should consult the full NIH posting and related notices for budget expectations, typical award sizes for the participating NIH institutes/centers, and any constraints tied to particular topic notices.

In summary, PAR 25-332 is an NIH R01 funding opportunity intended to support a wide range of Alzheimer's and related dementia research projects, with flexibility to include clinical trials but not requiring them. The defining element is that NIH will continue to announce and update the most sought-after research topics through subsequent notices, so competitive applications will generally be those that directly align with those evolving, high-priority areas while fitting the scope and rigor expected of the R01 mechanism.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Research on Current Topics in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Related Dementias (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.853, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2027-11-05.
• 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 PAR 25 332

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