Centers without Walls for mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is interested in supporting ambitious research projects to elucidate mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD) organized as a “Center without Walls” consortium. NINDS Centers without Walls are collaborative research networks that bring together diverse expertise from different institutions to tackle complex neurological problems that are not tractable by individual research projects. This program is considering using an activity code, such as the RM1, that enables interdisciplinary research consortia capable of identifying and characterizing novel ADRD mechanisms. Teams may include cross-disciplinary and cross-specialty expertise to address the complex co-pathologies, mixed etiologies, and disease heterogeneity in ADRD. This program is anticipated to support teams that can combine multiple approaches, such as state-of-the-art technologies, disease-relevant models, clinical science, and human specimens, to investigate unique disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and other factors influencing ADRD susceptibility, resilience, and pathology. One awardee team would serve as a coordinating center for all awardees to facilitate recurring meetings, data harmonization and sharing, cross-site communication, and support the implementation of inter-laboratory rigor and reproducibility plans. This program is informed by key priorities from the ADRD Summit 2025, including embracing ADRD complexity and breaking down topic- and disease-based silos, and is intended to provide a mechanistic foundation for future translational and clinical ADRD research. 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. Investigators with complementary expertise in ADRD mechanisms, clinical phenotypes, and advanced technologies are encouraged to contact agency staff listed below for additional information.

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: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) 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 environment; 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...