Bridge2AI Network for AI Health Science

The Bridge2AI Network for AI Health Science is a forecasted federal funding opportunity from the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is part of the NIH Common Fund’s broader Bridge2AI program, which is designed to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into biomedical and behavioral research. The program builds on prior investments in large-scale, AI-ready datasets developed during Stage 1 of Bridge2AI, and seeks to expand the scientific and collaborative infrastructure necessary to advance AI-driven health discoveries. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the continuation and expansion of the Bridge2AI program through the establishment of a network of multidisciplinary research centers. These centers will leverage existing AI-ready datasets to address complex biomedical and behavioral research challenges, while also advancing the science of AI itself. The initiative emphasizes the development of trustworthy, reproducible, and explainable AI systems that can be applied across diverse health science domains. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, the program aims to accelerate the discovery of new biological insights and improve understanding of health and disease mechanisms. Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements using the U24 activity code, supporting approximately three to five centers. Each center will participate in a coordinated network that conducts activities such as evaluating AI models and products, convening expert panels, supporting pilot research projects, and delivering multidisciplinary training. The initiative also includes the development of frameworks and best practices for AI model evaluation, reproducibility, transparency, and ethical deployment. Allowable uses of funds include research activities, training programs, collaborative convenings, and dissemination efforts that contribute to advancing AI-enabled biomedical research. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, reflecting the national and international scope of the program. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, for-profit entities, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public housing authorities, independent school districts, and additional entities such as federal agencies, regional organizations, faith-based organizations, and non-domestic institutions. This wide eligibility framework is intended to encourage diverse participation and foster multidisciplinary collaboration across sectors and geographic regions. The application process is expected to open following the official notice of funding opportunity, which is anticipated to be posted around January 2027. Applications are estimated to be due by March 1, 2027. While no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent are specified in the forecast, applicants are encouraged to begin forming collaborations and preparing proposals in advance. The submission process will likely follow standard NIH procedures, including the preparation of detailed research plans, budgets, and supporting documentation demonstrating organizational capacity and alignment with program goals. Applications will be evaluated based on their potential to advance AI science in biomedical and behavioral research, the strength of proposed collaborations, the quality and innovation of the research approach, and the ability to contribute to the broader network objectives. Additional evaluation criteria may include plans for training and workforce development, strategies for ensuring reproducibility and transparency, and the anticipated impact of the proposed work. Award decisions are expected around August 2027, with project start dates aligned shortly thereafter. This opportunity is part of an ongoing federal effort to build infrastructure and capacity for AI-driven health research, and while the recurrence of this specific funding announcement is not explicitly stated, it is part of a multi-stage program with continued investment. Interested applicants can direct inquiries to the Bridge2AI program inbox at Bridge2AI@od.nih.gov for additional information and guidance.

Develop strong multidisciplinary collaborations and emphasize reproducible and trustworthy AI methods aligned with program goals