Aging Mammalian Tissues In Vitro (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Aging Mammalian Tissues In Vitro." This grant initiative supports early-stage exploratory research (R21 mechanism) focused on developing complex three-dimensional (3D) mammalian microphysiological systems (MPS) that model aging processes in vitro. The goal is to bridge the gap between traditional animal models and human aging biology by fostering the development of innovative, human-relevant tissue systems to study aging and age-related conditions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support interdisciplinary teams in creating MPS platforms—such as tissue chips, organoids, or organ-on-chip systems—that can mimic the molecular, cellular, and physiological features of aging observed in humans. These systems may be built using human donor cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and must aim to model specific aging phenotypes or biomarkers. Projects using nonhuman mammalian cells may also be considered when used for benchmarking or system validation, provided their relevance to human aging biology is well justified. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations, such as higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities (including small businesses), and local, state, or tribal governments. Foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, though foreign components of U.S. organizations are permitted. All applicants must be registered with several federal systems, including SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, before submitting applications. The NOFO requires adherence to detailed technical requirements and inclusion of a data management and sharing plan. The application process does not require preliminary data, and clinical trials are not permitted. Applicants must articulate how their proposed MPS addresses the challenge of faithfully and reproducibly mimicking aging in vitro, including aging phenotypes to be measured and benchmarking methods. Evaluation criteria emphasize the importance of innovation, scientific merit, feasibility, and the multidisciplinary expertise of the applicant team. Projects will be reviewed based on their potential to significantly advance understanding of human aging biology or provide new platforms for aging-related drug discovery. The funding will provide a total of $2.4 million in FY 2026 to support approximately 10 awards. Individual project budgets are capped at $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with a maximum of $200,000 per year. The earliest submission date is September 20, 2025, with a final application deadline of October 20, 2025. Awards are anticipated to begin as early as July 2026. Although this specific opportunity is marked as expired, NIH may still accept submissions on a case-by-case basis under its late submission policies, and the NOFO is expected to recur annually. Scientific inquiries may be directed to Dr. Tiziana Cogliati at tiziana.cogliati@mail.nih.gov, and grants management questions can be directed to Mitchell Whitfield at mitchell.whitfield@nih.gov. The official NOFO and instructions must be carefully followed to ensure successful submission.

Apply early to correct errors. Ensure NIH application instructions are followed. Consortium participation and resource sharing expected.