Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 25 247

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 25 247

Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (PAR-25-247) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity that uses the T32 institutional training mechanism and is specifically marked "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." The core aim is workforce development: building a strong, diverse, and genuinely interdisciplinary pipeline of scientists who can move AD/ADRD research forward across the translational spectrum, from early target discovery and disease mechanism work through stages that inform clinical development. Rather than funding a single research project, this program is designed to fund structured institutional training environments that consistently produce researchers prepared to tackle the complexity of Alzheimer's and related dementias.

The NOFO focuses on supporting training programs for both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. NIH is looking for institutions to create or strengthen programs that bring together trainees from different educational and technical backgrounds, including basic biology, translational and clinical research, and data science. A central theme is cross-training: programs are expected to equip trainees with a blend of competencies that reflect how modern AD/ADRD research is actually done, where progress often depends on combining computational methods, rigorous disease biology, behavioral research, and drug discovery approaches. The training emphasis includes both traditional and emerging drug discovery disciplines, signaling interest in preparing scientists who understand the full set of tools used today, such as target identification and validation, biomarker-related thinking, preclinical model strategy, and data-driven methods that can help bridge lab findings to clinically relevant insights.

In practical terms, the opportunity invites eligible institutions to propose interdisciplinary training programs that provide formalized mentoring, coursework or structured learning, and career development experiences that collectively prepare trainees to conduct high-quality basic, translational, and clinically relevant research on AD/ADRD. Even though the notice references the continuum up to clinical development, the "Clinical Trial Not Allowed" designation means the training grant itself should not propose or support clinical trial activities as part of the funded work. The intent is preparation and research training, not running trials under this award.

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organizations and includes many types of government entities and educational institutions. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments; nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) other than institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. The NOFO also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants and encouraged institution types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, and U.S. territories or possessions. At the same time, the notice makes clear that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible.

The opportunity is categorized under Health (CFDA 93.866) and is offered as a grant. The original closing date listed is 2026-09-25. An award ceiling is not specified in the provided source information, and the expected number of awards is not listed. Overall, this NOFO is best understood as NIH investing in the training infrastructure needed to produce the next generation of AD/ADRD translational researchers who can operate across disciplines, handle modern data and biological complexity, and contribute to a stronger, more diverse scientific workforce focused on dementia-related therapeutic and translational challenges.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) (T32 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-09-25. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 25 247

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: