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

National Institute of Health

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) invites applications that propose interdisciplinary research that aims to develop complex mammalian 3-dimensional (3D) in vitro microphysiological systems (MPS) to model aging and recapitulate aging processes/phenotypes observed in the whole organism in 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.

Funding Opportunity Goal(s)

To encourage biomedical, social, and behavioral research and research training directed toward greater understanding of the aging process and the diseases, special problems, and needs of people as they age.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards

NIA intends to commit $2.4M in FY 2026 to fund 10 awards.

Award Budget

Application budgets are limited to $275,000 in direct costs over the two-year period, with a maximum of $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year. Requested budgets need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.

Award Project Period

The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum period is 2 years.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Institutional Eligibility

NIH primarily grants to institutions, not individuals. Applicants must submit through eligible organizations—such as universities, nonprofits, businesses, or government agencies.

Foreign institutions may apply for most research project grants but are ineligible for training, center, or small business awards.

Individual Eligibility

Principal Investigators (PIs) typically require advanced degrees (e.g., PhD, MD) and institutional support (e.g., faculty status with lab space and resources).

Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) status—applicants within 10 years of terminal degree and without prior substantial NIH awards—receives special consideration.

Some career awards (e.g., K-series, NRSA) may require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

Mission Alignment

Proposed work must align with NIH’s mission to enhance health and reduce illness, and also fit the specific focus of at least one NIH Institute or Center. NIH offers tools like Matchmaker to help applicants identify the right funding institute.

Why NIH Funding Signals Future Success

1. Prestige & Competitive Advantage

The NIH is the largest global funder of biomedical research—awarding nearly $35 billion in FY2023 across ~59,000 grants.

Awards undergo rigorous two-tier peer and advisory council review, reflecting both scientific merit and policy alignment.

2. Career Momentum for Early Investigators

NIH’s commitment to supporting ESIs and new investigators not only eases entry into independent research but is often correlated with sustained funding and academic progression.

3. Innovation Drives Impact

Evidence shows that proposals featuring novel, innovative science tend to receive higher funding rates and generate more citations compared to incremental approaches.

4. Resilience After Early Setbacks

A fascinating study found that early-career researchers whose NIH applications narrowly missed funding ("near misses") actually achieved higher long-term impact—producing more high-impact publications than those who secured early wins.

5. Training Pipeline & Research Capacity Building

NIH supports rigorous training pathways like the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) for MD–PhD candidates, laying a foundation for translational research leadership.

Summary Table

Aspect	Why It Matters
Institutional + Individual Eligibility	Clear criteria ensure meritorious and viable applications
Early-Stage Investigator (ESI) Status	Supports entry into research independence and tracks success trajectories
Peer Review Rigor	Ensures high-quality science and alignment with national priorities
Focus on Innovation	Novel ideas are consistently linked with greater research productivity and citations
Near-Miss Effect	Early failure can catalyze long-term success among resilient investigators
Support for Dual-Degree Training	Builds future physician-scientist leaders with translational capacity

In Summary

Being awarded NIH funding—especially as an early-stage investigator—is a distinguished marker of scientific potential and leadership. NIH’s rigorous review, infrastructure support, and emphasis on innovation equip successful applicants for sustained impact, influence, and research excellence.

Specialties

Others

Public Health

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Organizations

Higher Education Institutions - Includes all types

Public/State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Private Institutions of Higher Education

Nonprofits Other Than Institutions of Higher Education

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other than Institutions of Higher Education)

For-Profit Organizations

Small Businesses
For-Profit Organizations (Other than Small Businesses)

Local Governments

State Governments
County Governments
City or Township Governments
Special District Governments
Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized).

Federal Governments

Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government
U.S. Territory or Possession

Other

Independent School Districts
Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities
Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Faith-based or Community-based Organizations
Regional Organizations

Foreign Organizations

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.

Eligible Countries:

United States

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: National Institute of Health

Sponsor Type: Government/Federal

Address: 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892

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