Frequently Asked Questions for RFA-AG-25-031

The frequently asked questions below are related to RFA-AG-25-031: Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) for Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) Research (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) .

In addition, to the questions below, we encourage you the to visit the NIH Information for Foreign Grants webpage .

Explore FAQ's for RFA-AG-25-031

See below for answers to frequently asked questions about RFA-AG-25-031.

Q: What is the purpose of the Funding Opportunity Announcement?

A: The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to support research on aging and/or Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) conducted by junior faculty investigators from institutes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to support the career development of junior faculty investigators from institutions in LMICs as future leaders in aging and AD/ADRD.

In addition, this NOFO invites applications that will yield pilot data, resources, and experience for subsequent aging and AD/ADRD research projects. Candidates are encouraged to seek out a supportive research environment that will achieve the goal of fostering the career development of junior investigators.

Q: How do I know the income category for LMICs?

A: NIH uses the income categories as defined by the World Bank .

Q: What is the R03 activity code?

A: The R03 activity code supports investigator initiated small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources. For this NOFO, applicants may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for direct costs of up $100,000 per year.

No preliminary data are required but may be included if available. In addition, the research strategy may not exceed six pages. R03 awards are not renewable.

Q: Who is eligible for this opportunity?

A: These awards will be made directly to the LMIC institution and will support junior faculty investigators, defined as those who hold entry to mid-level academic or research scientist positions, including but not limited to instructors, lecturers, and assistant professors within their LMIC institution.

Applicants must currently hold an academic junior faculty position or research scientist appointment supported by the applicant's LMIC academic or research institution.

Q: What other requirements are needed for this NOFO?

A: While this R03 award supports research rather than career development activities, applicants are strongly encouraged to include a section titled "Evidence of a Supportive Environment" that describes an individualized Professional Development Plan supported by sources other than the R03 award. This plan would provide for cultivating and garnering resources, activities, collaborations, and/or didactic or practical experiences concurrent with the R03 research project that will 1) lead to enhanced knowledge and skills in aging, AD, and/or ADRD science, and 2) increase the applicant's likelihood of successful completion of their proposed project. This section is limited to five pages within the Facilities & Other Resources attachment .

The elements of a Professional Development Plan may differ for each applicant based on career stage, research experience, institutional resources, or other factors. Applicants are encouraged to tailor their plans to meet their individual professional development needs in relation to their proposed project. Moreover, applicants are encouraged to describe specific activities that will augment their skills in aging, AD, and/or ADRD research to develop into independent researchers. Applicants may describe plans to seek support for their professional development plans through independent funding or institutional commitment. Based on their individual factors, applicants may include, but need not be limited to, the following:

  • Coursework, which may or may not lead to an additional degree.
  • Professional milestones such as publications, presentations, abstracts, or grant applications.
  • Participation in local or institutional research-related activities such as specialty clinics, journal clubs, grand rounds, or other relevant educational experiences.
  • Didactic or practical experience with senior collaborators who have expertise in aging, AD/ADRD science or other fields complementary to the candidate's background.

Q: Are Senior Investigators required?

A: Yes. LMIC junior investigators will be required to collaborate with an experienced or senior investigator from either their LMIC country, the U.S., or another high-income country. Senior investigators should demonstrate expertise in the proposed research area and should also demonstrate expertise in performing research and developing effective collaborations with researchers in an LMIC setting. It is expected that experienced/senior collaborators will be invested in providing guidance to the junior faculty applicant. The level of support from the senior investigator must not exceed 10% or 1.2 calendar months.

Q: When are the applications due?

A: There are two receipt dates for this NOFO: Nov. 7, 2024, and Feb. 14, 2025. No late applications will be accepted. In general, investigators should try to submit their applications a few days prior to the deadline so that you can make changes if needed.

Q: What is the maximum budget and how many projects will be funded?

A: NIA intends to commit $1.08 million in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to fund 10 awards (six awards for AD/ADRD and four awards for aging research). Application budgets are limited to $100,000 in direct costs per year.

Q: What are some examples of research areas of interest?

A: Investigators should propose studies that advance understanding of aging and/or AD/ADRD in LMICs. Examples of types of projects include, but not limited to: (1) pilot or feasibility studies; (2) secondary analysis of existing data; (3) small, self-contained research projects; (4) development of research methodology and (5) development of new research technology.

NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research.

Projects may span the breadth of scientific domains for aging and AD/ADRD research, including basic, behavioral, translational, clinical, genetic, social science, or epidemiologic science. Human subjects, animal models, and in vitro systems are all acceptable as appropriate to the research questions. Projects should be appropriate to the background and level of experience of the applicant.

Studies that draw data from across the lifespan are especially encouraged and applicants are encouraged to factor sex as a biological variable into research designs, analyses, and reporting in their proposed research.

Research programs that include vulnerable or under-researched LMIC populations (e.g., women, or indigenous populations) will be strongly encouraged. While research should be relevant to the LMICs, applicants will also be encouraged to review NIA’s Strategic Directions for Research, 2020 – 2025 and the AD/ADRD Research milestones.

Please read the Research Objectives and Scope section of the NOFO for additional information specific to each NIA Division.

While not required, investigators are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of intent and/or specific aims page to Dr. Damali Martin at martinda@mail.nih.gov .

Q: Which applications are considered non-responsive to this NOFO?

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

  • Applications that do not propose research related to aging or, AD, and/or ADRD.
  • Applications from high-income countries , as defined by the World Bank.
  • Applications from established and/or senior investigators.
  • Applications which do not include a senior investigator (either in country, or from a high-income country) as a collaborator.

Please note that non-responsive applications will be withdrawn prior to review.

A: NIH restricts the use of hypertext (e.g., hyperlinks and URLs) in NIH applications. Please be sure to review the NIH policy on use of hyperlinks . Applications that do not follow these instructions and include unallowable hyperlinks may be withdrawn from review and funding consideration.

Q: What are additional resources I can reference while developing my application?

A: Some relevant resources that you can reference are:

Q: Where can I find more information on how to apply to NIH?

A: Potential applicants can find instructions for how to apply in the SF424 Application Guide . Carefully follow the specific guidelines/requirements found in both the SF424 Application Guide and the instructions in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Be aware that the instructions in the NOFO supersede those found in the SF424 application guide.

Additionally, tips for NIH applicants are provided in a video Grant Writing for Success NIH in which reviewers and staff at the NIH offer their insights to scientists seeking to improve their chances of getting a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

See the Annotated Forms for tips on how to fill in the SF424 forms.

See the NIH sample applications (including those for the R01, R03, and R21 programs) from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Cancer Institute. While these are applications for different institutes and highlight different areas of science, the general format of applications across NIH remains the same.

Q: Is having and maintaining a System for Award Management (SAM) registration required for applications submitted to this NOFO?

A: Yes, the submitting institution and all PDs/PIs are required to register in order to submit an application using the online systems. Applicants must have a valid Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number to begin each of the following registrations:

  • System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active entity registration (formerly CCR registration), which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. Use the Sam.gov "Manage Entity" function to manage your entity registrations. See the Grants Registration User Guide at SAM.gov for additional information.
  • Grants.gov
  • eRA Commons - Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants.gov registration. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account to submit an application.

Find detailed instructions about this multiple step process .

Your organization must be registered in SAM and your SAM credentials must be active at time of grant submission and time of grant award. A yearly renewal process is required to keep your credentials active. SAM uses the term "entity" to refer to your organization.

Purpose of SAM

Note that NIH requires electronic applications, and it is critical that applicants complete all required registrations well in advance of the application deadline as the registration process can take several weeks or longer.

Q: Do all PDs/PIs need to have an eRA Commons ID?

A: All PDs/PIs must include their eRA Commons ID in the Credential field of the Senior/Key Person Profile Component of the SF424(R&R) Application Package. Failure to register in the Commons and to include a valid PD/PI Commons ID in the credential field will prevent the successful submission of an electronic application to NIH. For additional information, see the eRA Commons Registration FAQs .

Q: Where can I find instructions for preparing my Biographical Sketch (Biosketch)?

A: Access Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples from the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER).

Please also see the following NIH Guide notice for Upcoming Changes to the Biographical Sketch and Other Support Format Page for Due Dates on or after May 25, 2021 (NOT-OD-21-073) .

Grants-Funding