Interdisciplinary Research to Understand the Complex Biology of Resilience to Alzheimers Disease Risk (R01) | RFA AG 17 061

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AG 17 061

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced this discretionary grant opportunity, RFA-AG-17-061, titled "Interdisciplinary Research to Understand the Complex Biology of Resilience to Alzheimers Disease Risk (R01)." It is a health-focused Funding Activity (CFDA 93.866) that supports comprehensive, cross-disciplinary research projects using the R01 grant mechanism. The central purpose is to deepen understanding of why some people who are considered at high risk for Alzheimers disease do not go on to develop dementia, and to translate that understanding into predictive, biology-based models of cognitive resilience.

At its core, the announcement is looking for studies that can build predictive molecular models of cognitive resilience using high-dimensional molecular data from resilient individuals. In practical terms, this points to research that integrates large-scale molecular measurements (often described as high-dimensional or "omics" data) and uses them to model, explain, and predict resilience-related biology. The emphasis on "comprehensive" and "cross-disciplinary" work signals that applicants are expected to combine expertise across fields such as neurobiology, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, computational modeling, systems biology, epidemiology, neuropathology, and clinical research. The aim is not simply to identify isolated biomarkers, but to assemble molecular evidence into models that can meaningfully predict or characterize resilience in the context of Alzheimers disease risk.

A defining feature of the opportunity is its focus on individuals who remain free of dementia despite elevated risk. That high-risk status could plausibly include factors commonly associated with Alzheimers risk (for example, age, family history, genetic risk factors, or other established indicators), but the key scientific target is the biology of resilience rather than the biology of disease progression alone. By prioritizing resilience, the program encourages investigators to look for protective pathways, compensatory mechanisms, and molecular signatures that may help maintain cognitive function even in the presence of risk factors that would typically predict decline.

The award information included in the source data lists an award ceiling of $750,000. The original closing date for applications was 2017-02-21, and the opportunity record shows a creation date of 2016-11-04. While the source data does not specify the exact number of expected awards, it frames the scope as supporting substantial R01-level projects capable of handling large, complex datasets and interdisciplinary coordination.

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive, spanning many types of organizations that can contribute to biomedical research. Eligible applicants include state, county, 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 and without 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including 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, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). It also notes eligibility for Indian/Native American Tribal Governments other than federally recognized entities, reinforcing the inclusive intent across tribal and regional structures.

In summary, this NIH R01 funding opportunity is designed to accelerate rigorous, interdisciplinary work that uses high-dimensional molecular data to develop predictive models explaining cognitive resilience in people at high risk for Alzheimers disease who do not develop dementia. The program is positioned for teams that can connect molecular-scale measurements to clinically meaningful resilience outcomes, with broad organizational eligibility intended to encourage diverse institutional participation and collaborations across the biomedical and community research landscape.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Interdisciplinary Research to Understand the Complex Biology of Resilience to Alzheimers Disease Risk (R01)" 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 2016-11-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-02-21. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $750,000.00 in funding.
• 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.

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