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

HHS-NIH11 RFA-AG-26-014
Posted: Aug 26, 2025 12:00:00 AM EDT
Closes: 12/09/2025

Description

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) invites applications that propose interdisciplinary research that aims to develop complex mammalian 3-dimensional (3D)in vitromicrophysiological systems (MPS) to model aging and recapitulate aging processes/phenotypes observed in the whole organismin vivo. This NOFO is primarily focused on human cell-derived MPS (e.g., tissue chip, organ-on-chip, tissue organoids). However, systems developed using cells of nonhuman mammalian origin are acceptable for benchmarking, system validation, or when their relevance to understanding human aging biology is justified. Supported projects will be expected to advance the adoption of MPS in aging biology research and as new human-relevant tools for drug discovery.This NOFO uses the R21 activity code, which is intended for exploratory research at the early and conceptual stages of project development. Preliminary data are not required. An essential feature of responsive applications is the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach that includes expertise in aging biology and from disciplines such as stem cell biology, tissue and organ physiology, microfluidics, bioengineering, computational biology, pharmacology, and biostatistics.

Synopsis

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) invites applications that propose interdisciplinary research that aims to develop complex mammalian 3-dimensional (3D)in vitromicrophysiological systems (MPS) to model aging and recapitulate aging processes/phenotypes observed in the whole organismin vivo. This NOFO is primarily focused on human cell-derived MPS (e.g., tissue chip, organ-on-chip, tissue organoids). However, systems developed using cells of nonhuman mammalian origin are acceptable for benchmarking, system validation, or when their relevance to understanding human aging biology is justified. Supported projects will be expected to advance the adoption of MPS in aging biology research and as new human-relevant tools for drug discovery.This NOFO uses the R21 activity code, which is intended for exploratory research at the early and conceptual stages of project development. Preliminary data are not required. An essential feature of responsive applications is the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach that includes expertise in aging biology and from disciplines such as stem cell biology, tissue and organ physiology, microfluidics, bioengineering, computational biology, pharmacology, and biostatistics.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:
Independent school districts Special district governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Small businesses County governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Private institutions of higher education State governments City or township governments For profit organizations other than small businesses
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Regional Organizations; U.S. Territory or Possession; Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Funding Activity Categories

Health

CFDA Numbers

  • 93.866 - Aging Research

Contact Information

Agency: National Institutes of Health
Contact: National Institutes of Health
Phone: 301-402-2541
NIH Grants Information
grantsinfo@nih.gov

Additional Information

Document Type: synopsis
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Version: 2
Last Updated: Dec 08, 2025 02:26:21 PM EST

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