Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet): SenNet Data Coordination, Integration and Organizational Center (U24 or UM1)

The NIH Common Fund, National Institute on Aging, National Cancer Institute and additional NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) intend to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for Stage 2 of the Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) Program, which seeks to understand the biological consequences of senescent cell heterogeneity in health and disease, identify and characterize tissue-specific senescence markers in human biospecimens to facilitate the development of senotherapeutic strategies that improve health outcomes. The program’s SenNet Data Coordination, Integration and Organizational Center (DCIOC) will integrate tissue mapping efforts with Stage 2 data to generate Atlases of Senescence incorporating the spatial distribution of senescence biomarkers with biological and functional data across tissues in health, lifespan and age-associated diseases. The DCIOC will also serve as the organizational hub for SenNet in managing consortium and outreach activities. 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 will utilize the U24 or UM1 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into the cellular senescence impact on human health, the development of innovative technologies and computational tools to identify and characterize senescent cells and inform novel approaches for the strategic targeting of senescent cells in vivo are encouraged to apply in response to these new NOFOs.

Funding decisions are based on scientific merit (42 CFR 52h) and program relevance. Scientific merit review encompasses: the peer review criteria detailed in the specific funding announcement, as well as the significance, approach, and innovation of the proposed research; the competency of the principal investigator; the adequacy of the resources and environment; the proposed budget and requested period of support; and, where applicable, the adequacy of the measures for protecting against adverse effects upon humans, animals, or the environment.