The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications that propose interdisciplinary research that aims to develop complex mammalian 3-dimensional (3D) in vitro microphysiological systems (MPS) to model aging and recapitulate aging processes/phenotypes observed in the whole organism in vivo. It is anticipated that the NOFO will primarily focus on human cell-derived MPS (e.g., tissue chip, organ-on-chip, tissue organoids). However, systems developed using cells of nonhuman mammalian origin may be acceptable for benchmarking, system validation, or when their relevance to understanding human aging biology is justified. Projects will be expected to advance the adoption of MPS in aging biology research and as new human-relevant tools for drug discovery.

It is anticipated that the NOFO will support exploratory research at the early and conceptual stages of project development. Preliminary data will not be required. It is anticipated that an essential feature of responsive applications will be the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach that includes expertise in aging biology and from disciplines such as stem cell biology, tissue and organ physiology, microfluidics, bioengineering, computational biology, pharmacology, and biostatistics.

Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.

Education

• Private institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Public and state institutions of higher education

Government

• Public and Indian housing authorities
• County governments
• Special district governments
• State governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations

Business

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses