Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for ML/AI Tools to Advance Genomic Translational Research (MAGen) - Development Sites

Key Dates

     April 5, 2024 - Notice of Intent to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for ML/AI Tools to Advance Genomic Translational Research (MAGen) - Coordinating Center NOT-HG-24-030

National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

The National Human Genome Research Institute intends to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to explore the feasibility of developing Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that can enhance the accuracy and precision of predicting how individuals with pathogenic genetic variants manifest disease.  The objective of the NOFO is to collaboratively identify both genomic and non-genomic factors influencing disease development in individuals carrying pathogenic genetic variants within a research consortium, ML/AI Tools to Advance Genomic Translational Research (MAGen). This consortium will include the MAGen Sites funded by the NOFO and MAGen Coordinating Center funded by the companion NOFO (see NOT-HG-24-030). The ML/AI tools will leverage existing multimodal genomic and non-genomic data and will be cross validated in genomic translational research settings to ensure the robustness and generalizability of the tools. In addition, the Consortium will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of integrating ML/AI tools into genomic medicine through the establishment of an ELSI framework for their development and through implementation of ELSI research projects.

The intended NOFO is based on a concept recently approved by the National Advisory Council on Human Genome Research and accompanying discussion.

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

The NOFO is expected to be published in Spring 2024 with an expected application due date in Summer 2024.

This NOFO will utilize the UG3/UH3 activity code. Details of the planned NOFO are provided below.

MAGen Sites, with support from the MAGen Coordinating Center, will collaboratively develop the following Consortium-wide resources pertinent to ML/AI tool development and cross validation: an ELSI framework for ML/AI tool development and cross validation for translational research purposes; the consortium’s collective set of human genes with pathogenic variants selected from the list proposed by the MAGen Sites; ML/AI tools' key requirements; a common data model; a cross validation plan; research questions and outcomes that are to be assessed by the ELSI project(s); and a plan for dissemination of the Consortium-generated resources. In accordance with the agreed-upon consortium-wide plans and resources identified above, each MAGen Site will: develop and cross validate tools; conduct ELSI research projects; and generate resources for dissemination.

The MAGen consortium is not focused on any specific disease or condition. However, the proposed genes must have pathogenic variants associated with known human diseases and with variable clinical manifestation.

Important considerations include: (1) funding will not be provided for new data generation; (2) groups need to have sufficient multimodal genomic, other-omic, and non-genomic data (clinical including electronic health records, social determinants of health, environmental, wearable etc.) accessible to them to address a range of diseases to be used for development, validation, and cross validation of ML/AI tools in translational research settings. The MAGen Sites will work collaboratively with each other and the MAGen CC (NOT-HG-24-030) within the Consortium to achieve the goals of the NOFO.

This Notice encourages investigators with multi-disciplinary expertise, including biomedical informatics, data science, genomics, computer science, clinical data management, ELSI research etc., to begin considering applying for this NOFO.

The NOFO will use the UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement mechanism which entails a two-Phase, one-application approach to accomplish the goals.  

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:

Sandhya Xirasagar Ph.D.
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)
Office of Genomic Data Science
Telephone: 240-380-0400
Email: [email protected]