Translational Center for Accelerating the Use of Digital Health Technologies Data in AD/ADRD Research

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that aims to establish a multi-component Translational Center for Accelerating the Use of Digital Health Technologies (DHT) Data in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) research. The purpose of the Center is to develop infrastructure, methods, and best practices for hosting, discovering, accessing, disseminating, and integrating multi-modal, legacy, and new DHT data, and accelerate their (re)use in translational and clinical AD/ADRD research. To this end, the Center will establish a DHT data repository as a cloud-based; federated; Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data infrastructure for the secure storage, processing, dissemination, analysis, and multi-modal integration of legacy and new DHT data generated by AD/ADRD studies supported by NIH and other funding organizations. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO intends to utilize the U54 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed...