Key Dates

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Issued by

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to invite feedback on topics the National Institute on Aging (NIA) should consider as it formulates its strategic directions document for 2026-2030.

Background

NIA's current strategic directions document is  The National Institute on Aging: Strategic Directions for Research, 2020-2025. NIA is formulating its Strategic Directions for Research document for 2026-2030, and the Institute seeks public input on revisions to the current document and suggestions for new content. 

NIA's Strategic Directions for Research document serves as a statement of NIA’s scientific priority areas within the rapidly evolving field of aging research and provides a framework for systematic analysis of NIA’s scientific portfolio. The document both complements and forms a solid foundation for more targeted and specific planning tools, including the National Alzheimer's Project Act plan and milestones and NIA's forthcoming strategic plan for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Therefore, in addition to input on current and potential new goals and objectives related to aging research, NIA welcomes input on any related topic for which dedicated NIA planning processes exist.

Information Requested

Through this RFI, NIA invites feedback from researchers in academia and industry, health care professionals, patient advocates and health advocacy organizations, scientific or professional organizations, federal agencies, and all other interested members of the public. NIA's leadership and staff will review and consider responses to this RFI as the Institute updates its strategic directions.

Please provide your perspective on the following issues as they relate to NIA's strategic directions for 2026-2030:

• Emerging research needs and future opportunities to reflect the next five years that should be included in the Strategic Directions for Research, 2026-2030 document.
• Research needs and opportunities reflected in the Strategic Directions for Research, 2020-2025 document that should be modified or removed because of progress over the past five years. 
• Recommendations relevant to the following:
  • Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; 
  • Health disparities;
  • Improving health outcomes across all populations, including populations identified by NIH as experiencing health disparities; 
  • Cross-cutting themes such as diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; or 
  •  Any topic areas applicable to NIA’s strategy, even if other NIA planning processes on those topics already exist.

When commenting on a research need or opportunity, your comments may contain, but are not limited to, the following:

• A description of the need and/or opportunity: The description may include comments on:
  •  New opportunities for research that are not covered in the Strategic Directions for Research, 2020-2025 document.
  • Specific needs and/or opportunities that should be reflected in the Strategic Directions for Research, 2026-2030 document.
• A rationale: The scientific evidence or clinical basis for the proposed change or addition and the anticipated impacts that accomplishments or advances related to this issue would have on the scientific community and human health.

How to Respond

Responses to this RFI must be submitted using the response form. Responses must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM ET on September 13, 2024.

Response to this RFI is voluntary. Responders are free to address any or all the topics listed above and/or to provide feedback on any relevant issues. The submitted information will be reviewed by NIA staff.

This request is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Federal Government. The NIH does not intend to make awards based on responses to this RFI or pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Government's use of such information.

The NIH will use the information submitted in response to this RFI at its discretion and will not provide comments to any responder's submission. The information provided will be analyzed and may appear in presentations and reports. The NIH may use the information gathered to develop grants, contracts, or other funding priorities and initiatives. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (OPAE)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Phone: 301-496-3121
Email: niaplanning@nia.nih.gov