RNomics Molecular Standards

The RNomics Molecular Standards funding opportunity is a forecasted cooperative agreement initiative expected to be issued by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is part of the broader NIH Common Fund RNomics program, which aims to advance the study of the complete set of RNA molecules, known as the RNome, within biological systems. This program represents a coordinated federal effort to develop foundational tools, technologies, and resources that enable comprehensive analysis of RNA sequences, structures, modifications, localization, and functional interactions. The Molecular Standards component specifically focuses on creating standardized reference materials that support consistency and comparability in RNA research across laboratories and platforms. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to fund projects that will develop, validate, refine, and disseminate RNA molecular reference standards. These standards are intended to support benchmarking and reproducibility in RNA-focused technologies. Awardees will be responsible for producing initial and expanded sets of standards, including modified nucleosides and modified oligonucleotides. In addition to technical development, recipients will provide guidance on best practices for selecting and using these standards and will establish strategies to ensure their long-term accessibility beyond the funding period. The initiative is designed to benefit not only participants in the RNomics program but also the broader biomedical research community. Funding under this opportunity is expected to support a limited number of cooperative agreements, with an anticipated three awards and total estimated program funding of 6500000 dollars. While specific award ceilings and floors are not provided, the cooperative agreement mechanism indicates substantial federal involvement in project coordination and oversight. Funds are expected to support activities such as laboratory development, validation studies, distribution systems for standards, and coordination with other RNomics initiatives. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement specified for this program. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of domestic and international entities. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, for profit organizations including small businesses, and special district governments. Additional eligible applicants include federal agencies, faith based organizations, regional organizations, and foreign institutions. This inclusive eligibility framework reflects the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of RNA research and the need for diverse expertise in developing molecular standards. At the time of this forecast notice, applications are not yet being accepted. The notice is intended to provide advance awareness so that potential applicants can form collaborations and prepare competitive proposals. The estimated application opening is October 1, 2026, with an anticipated submission deadline of February 15, 2027. Awards are expected to be issued by December 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned to that same timeframe. No pre application requirements such as letters of intent are specified in the forecast. Applications, when solicited, will likely require detailed scientific proposals outlining the development and validation of RNA standards, collaboration plans, and dissemination strategies. Evaluation criteria are expected to emphasize scientific merit, feasibility, innovation, and the potential to enhance reproducibility and comparability in RNA research. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor official NIH announcements and may contact the program directly via the provided email address for inquiries. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring, and no prior cycles are referenced in this notice.