Notice of Intent to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging, Including Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (D&E Centers) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

Key Dates

None

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) as a request for applications (RFA) to invite applications to develop or renew a Research and Development Center (P30) to advance aging research in demography, economics, and related interdisciplinary population-based social science areas, including those with a focus on Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). This NOFO will use a phased approach which provides 2 years of support for initial development activities and 4 years of support for expanded activities. The objectives of the Demography and Economics of Aging (D&E Centers) (P30) Program are to:

1) Seed new and innovative lines of aging research in demography, economics, and related interdisciplinary population-based social science areas.

2) Integrate approaches that address the disproportionate distribution of health within and/or across populations, including with respect to those defined as Health Disparity Priority Populations in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework.

3) Incorporate strategies that will identify and engage scholars across disciplines, career stages, and institutions.

D&E Centers shall support the infrastructure and pilot data necessary for research and program development in Center-identified population-based social science aging research themes by investigators within an institution and/or across domestic institutions. Specific Center activities include pilot project support and mentoring; communication and dissemination of Center activities and achievements to a variety of audiences; the sharing of Center-produced data and related resources to the fullest extent possible; the development of innovative national and international research networks of researchers; activities that expand the number of researchers and institutions with the capacity to apply for NIA funding; the development and enhanced sharing of relevant databases; the rapid application of research results from these databases; and the development of remote data enclaves and data sharing methods for the analysis of large-scale, often-longitudinal, databases with linked administrative, electronic health record, biological and/or genetic information.

The NOFO is expected to be published in July 2024 with an expected application due date in October 2024.

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive applications.

This NOFO will utilize the P30 activity code. Details of the planned RFA are provided below.

The goal of the Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging (D&E Centers) (P30) Program is to seed new and innovative lines of aging research in demography, economics, and related interdisciplinary population-based social science fields. Related interdisciplinary population-based social science research fields include (but are not limited to): health services research, epidemiology, sociology, geography, public health, and public policy. Centers may focus on population-based social science aging research themes within the demography and economics of aging relevant to Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD).

Centers must integrate approaches that address the disproportionate distribution of health within and/or across populations, including those defined as Health Disparity Priority Populations in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework. Applications should incorporate strategies that will identify and engage scholars across disciplines, career stages, and institutions.

Centers should propose population-based social science aging research theme(s) that capitalize on existing investigator expertise and resources of applicant institution(s) and clearly describe plans to enhance these areas via three required Cores:

• Core A. Administrative and Research Support Core,
• Core B. Program Development (Pilot) Core, and
• Core C. Communication and Dissemination Core

Centers may choose from up to three optional cores:

• Core D. External Network Core,
• Core E. External Research Resources Support Core, and
• Core F. Remote Data Enclave Core

Specific Center activities include:

• Pilot project support and mentoring;
• Communication and dissemination of Center activities and achievements to a variety of audiences;
• The sharing of Center-produced data and related resources to the fullest extent possible;
• The development of innovative national and international research networks of researchers;
• Activities that expand the number of researchers and institutions with the capacity to apply for NIA funding;
• The development and enhanced sharing of relevant databases;
• The rapid application of research results from these databases;
• The development of remote data enclaves and data sharing methods for the analysis of large-scale, often-longitudinal, databases with linked administrative, electronic health record, biological, and/or genetic information.

Centers are expected to work with the Coordinating Center for the Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging, including Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (D&E CC) (U24 Clinical Trial Optional) on collaborative research activities (including the Emerging Scholar Pilot Projects and Mentoring Program) across Centers; dissemination of Center advances, activities, and resources to relevant audiences; and tracking and reporting of Center activities.

Priority Topic Areas

NIA is particularly interested in supporting D&E Center applications that propose population-based social science aging and/or AD/ADRD research theme(s) that address one or more of the priority topic areas identified in the National Advisory Council on Aging's 2019 BSR Review Committee Report, including the application of population-level approaches to: a) improve understanding of health disparities in aging including modifiable mechanisms, b) study influences of macro-social trends on aging, c) enhance research on cognitive aging, and d) support research to improve care for persons with dementia and caregivers.

Additional illustrative topics for AD/ADRD D&E Centers include (but are not limited to) those that examine the topics listed directly above in the context of the risk, development, progression, diagnosis, and clinical presentation of AD/ADRD, AD/ADRD health care (access, utilization, and quality), and aspects of caregiving experiences for care partners and persons living with dementia (PLWD). Applications may integrate population-level biodemographic, social, economic, and/or healthcare system factors. In addition, applications may focus on AD+ADRD Research Implementation Milestones.

All applications must integrate approaches that address the disproportionate distribution of health within and across populations, including with respect to those defined as Health Disparity Priority Populations in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework. Applications must clearly identify the Center’s population-based social science aging research themes in the application and relevant Health Disparity Priority Population(s) in the application, including in the Overall Specific Aims, as well as whether the application is focused primarily on AD/ADRD-related science or on general aging topics. 

Tracking Criteria and Reporting

The continued success and sustainability of the D&E Centers Programs requires that the Centers complete their proposed Core activities. Throughout the project period, NIA expects that a Center will be able to demonstrate how its Core activities advance the following Center Program objectives:

1) Seed new and innovative lines of research in the demography and economics of aging and related interdisciplinary population-based social science areas.

2) Integrate approaches that address the disproportionate distribution of health within and/or across populations, including with respect to those defined as Health Disparity Priority Populations in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework.

3) Incorporate strategies that will identify and engage scholars across disciplines, career stages, and institutions.

Centers are responsible for tracking and monitoring progress and success through Core tracking criteria described in Section IV via semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC to be funded through RFA-AG-25-008 and the annual non-competing continuation (Type 5). Based on tracking criteria and other considerations, staff in the Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation at NIA may evaluate the overall D&E Centers Program and may provide recommendations for continuation and/or modification of the D&E Centers Program.

Timeline of the Phased Award

This NOFO uses a phased award approach. Proposed projects must include an overall timeline of both phases of the award. The timeline should incorporate the milestones for Phase 1 (2 years) as outlined below as well as the major goals of the entire project.

Phase 1

Milestones: This funding opportunity includes milestones that must be met at the end of Year 2.

Funding of Phase 1 does not guarantee support of Phase 2. If milestones are not achieved, as determined by the NIA Program Official assessment of recipient progress, NIA can choose to terminate the award, provide a mid-project extension (without additional funds), or modify aspects or conditions of the D&E Center at NIA’s discretion. Milestones will be included in the Terms and Conditions of the grant, if awarded. As with any award, continuation, even during the period recommended for support, is conditional upon satisfactory progress.

By the end of Phase 1/Year 2, D&E Centers are expected to accomplish the following milestones:

• Successful establishment of a public-facing website. The website should minimally include an overview of the D&E Center and promote activities and achievements (publications, pilot project calls, pilot project findings).
• Successful establishment of an Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects and accompanying Mentorship Program and recruit and support (make awards) of the first cohort of scholars and mentors, including the initiation of at least 2 mentorship activities (i.e. at least 2 presentations/seminars according to the application’s plan).
• Successful establishment of the Advisory Board and the successful organization of at least one meeting of the Advisory Board, PI team, and NIA staff.
• Successful reporting (semi-annually) of tracking criteria to the Coordinating Center.

Phase 2

Prior to the end of the first phase, awardees will submit a package that requests transition to the second phase of support. This package will include a progress report that describes progress towards each of the initial milestones and a clear description of how research during the Phase 2 will be impacted by attainment of those milestones. These materials will be reviewed by NIA program staff and then, if approved, the grant will transition to Phase 2 of support without the need to submit a new grant application. Decisions on transitioning to Phase 2 will be based on the successful completion of the originally described milestones, program priorities, and availability of funds.

Non-responsiveness Criteria

The following types of applications will be considered non-responsive and will be withdrawn prior to review:

• Applications that do not include the three required Cores (Core A. Administrative and Research Support Core, Core B. Program Development (Pilot) Core, and Core C. Communication and Dissemination Core).
• Applications that do not devote at least half of Core B. Program Development (Pilot) Core funds to the Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects and an accompanying Mentorship Program.
• Applications that do not identify the Center’s population-based social science aging research theme(s) in the Overall section’s Specific Aims.
• Applications that do not identify the Center’s focus on the disproportionate distribution of health within and/or across populations, including with respect to those defined as Health Disparity Priority Populations in the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework in the Overall section’s Specific Aims.

Applications that do not clearly articulate relevance of the project for AD/ADRD in the identified Center themes, including in the Overall Specific Aims, will not be considered for AD/ADRD set-aside funds.

Additional Information on Required and Optional Cores and Tracking Criteria

Core A. Administrative and Research Support Core (Required)

The Administrative and Research Support Core creates an organizational and governance structure, manages the activities of the Center, providing coordination, research planning, logistical, and centralized resources (including as data) and technical support, and oversees tracking criteria for all Cores.

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Completion of an annual meeting of Advisory Board, PI team, and NIA staff, attendance of at least one representative from Center key personnel (e.g., PD/PI) at the annual Center Directors Meeting (PAA or other venue); track and report (semi-annual) progress across Cores including tracking criteria to the Coordinating Center;

(If applicable): Users (numbers and institutional affiliation—internal and external) and outputs from facilities and services purchased/provided (publications, grants, etc.), workshop materials, number, career stage, and institutional affiliation of workshop participants.

Program Development (Pilot) Core (Core B) (Required)

The objective of this core is to support new and innovative lines of research in the Center’s population-based social science aging research theme(s) through an Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects and an accompanying Mentorship Program, and (optional) Innovation Pilot Projects. The Mentorship Program will provide training and mentorship to awardees of Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects leading to an R-series or K-series application submission to NIA within 2 years of pilot project receipt; other scholars may also participate. The Program Development (Pilot) Core will develop, identify, review, and monitor pilot projects in a manner consistent with the overall goals of the Center and within the Center’s population-based social science aging research theme(s).

• At least 50% of Pilot Core funds must support the Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects and Mentorship Program (see below). Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects should fall within the research themes identified by the Center and shall be led by PIs in the fields of demography, economics, and related interdisciplinary population-based social science fields who contribute to the Centers Program goal of engaging scholars across disciplines, career stages, and institutions. Examples of Emerging Scholars Pilot Project PIs who contribute to this goal include but are not limited to those who meet NIH definitions of Early Stage or New Investigators,  and/or come from research-active institutions and/or IDeA state institutions. Research-active institutions are defined as institutions that: (1) have a documented mission to serve populations underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research, (2) award degrees in the health professions or the sciences related to health, or in STEM fields including social and behavioral sciences, and (3) have received an average of no more than $25 million (total costs) of NIH Research Project Grant (RPG) support for the past three fiscal years. Brief descriptions of the first cohort of Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects shall be included in the application, including qualifying information (i.e., how the project is within scope of the Center-identified population-based social science aging research theme(s), how the PI will enhance representation in the population aging research workforce across disciplines, career-stages, and institutions). In subsequent years, proposed projects shall be identified and included in the non-competing renewal (Type 5) application. Applications are encouraged from PIs who come from Underrepresented Populations in the U.S. Biomedical, Clinical, Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Enterprise as defined in NOT-OD-20-031. These include: (Category A) Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; (Category B) individuals with disabilities; (Category C) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds meeting NOT-OD-20-031 definitions, and women from backgrounds described in Category A, B, and C as well as in some scientific disciplines.  Please note that the race, ethnicity, or sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, or transgender status) of PIs or other program participants will not be considered by NIH in the application review process or when making funding decisions.
• Up to 50% Pilot Core funds may be used to fund Innovation Pilot Projects by PIs at any stage. Innovative pilots are defined as those that test a new method or technique not already widely used in the field and/or conduct primary data collection within the scope of research themes identified by the Center. Secondary data analysis is not appropriate except in cases where a new method or technique is being developed (e.g., an algorithm for identifying AD/ADRD in administrative data). Innovative Pilot Projects may commence at any time; progress shall be included in the annual non-competing renewal (Type 5).
• Administer Mentorship Program. The applicant should propose a program to mentor awardees of Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects towards NIH grant submission (R-series or K-series) within 2 years of the Pilot Project award. Examples of mentorship activities could include (but are not limited to): presentations about NIH policies and procedures, application writing seminars, time management, publication strategies, a mock review, and detailed feedback and mentorship from other awardees as well as senior researchers. These activities should span 2 years, commencing with the award of the pilot. Mentorship Program activities may also be open to other scholars within an institution and/or across domestic institutions.

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Award pilot projects (with at least 50% of pilot core funds going towards Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects and Mentoring Program); pilot project success (e.g., resulting publications, presentations, NIH (and NIA) grant applications funded and unfunded); for Emerging Scholars Pilot Projects, the submission (not necessarily funded) of an R-series or K-series application to NIA by the end of the 2-year Mentorship Program.

Communication and Dissemination Core (Core C) (Required)

The purpose of this core is to communicate and disseminate activities and achievements of the Center across audiences (e.g., disciplines, investigators across career stages, policymakers, and the public). 

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Development and maintenance of website listing major Center activities, resources, and opportunities; website/social media traffic; external presentations to audiences listed above (title, format, attendance, audience composition including career stage, academic discipline, institution); documentation of compliance with NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy as described in application.

External Network Core (Core D (Optional))

The purpose of this core is to develop innovative research networks within and beyond the institution's boundaries on the Center’s chosen research themes and/or research capacity building (e.g., network providing resources and consulting to research-active institutions on preparing applications to NIA), to enhance research not only at the institution, but more generally within the field, as well as in relation to other relevant disciplines.

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Documentation of External Network Core Number progress and success (e.g., number and share of involved scholars at awardee and non-awardee institution; publications; workshops; webinars; grants submitted by non-R1 institutions with Core support if applicable).

External Research Resources Core (Core E (Optional))

This Core will provide resources to enhance the impact of Center resources and scientific findings to the broader scientific, policy, and lay communities with an emphasis on broad outreach, including but not limited to Early Stage or New Investigators, groups underrepresented in biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences research workforce (see, e.g., https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html), research-active institutions and/or IDeA state institutions.

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Number of research briefs and publications, document downloads and website visits, evidence of reach to audiences outside NIA centers including presentations, webinars, etc. with information on attendance, audience composition (career stage, academic discipline, institution).

Remote Data Enclave Core (Core F (Optional))

This Remote Data Enclave Core will facilitate the use of datasets that have restricted use due to potential for deductive disclosure and risks to confidentiality and privacy due to the nature of the data, including issues resulting from data merging. Such restricted use data for demographic and economic aging research includes large-scale, often-longitudinal, datasets with complex, deeply-described phenotypes that are linked to a variety of data, including administrative data (e.g., National Death Index, claims data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), electronic health records), geographic data, biologic, contextual, and genetic data.

Tracking criteria for semi-annual reporting to the D&E CC:

Required for all: Users (at awardee institution and outside institutions; career stage, academic discipline), publications and grants applications (funded, not funded) using resources from the Remote Data Enclave Core. 

Funding Information

Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
Private Institution of Higher Education
Nonprofit with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education)
Small Business
For-Profit Organization (Other than Small Business)
State Government
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Federally Recognized)
County governments
Independent school districts
Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization (Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
U.S. Territory or Possession
Indian/Native American Tribal Government (Other than Federally Recognized)
Regional Organization
Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government

Applications are not being solicited at this time. 

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Amelia Karraker, Ph.D.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Telephone: 301-496-3136
Email: [email protected]