Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 09 061
Apply for PA 09 061
- The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Vulnerable Dendrites and Synapses in Aging and Alzheimers Disease (R01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 19, 2008 and posted on Dec 19, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jan 7, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Independent school districts County governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Small businesses City or township governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education State governments.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), released this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to support research on why dendrites, dendritic spines, and synapses become especially vulnerable during normal aging and in Alzheimers disease (AD). The scientific focus is neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's ability to change its structure and function in response to experience. The FOA is centered on the idea that the cognitive decline seen in aging and in AD is strongly tied to selective disruptions in synaptic integrity and synaptic function, particularly in brain circuits critical for memory and executive function. In practical terms, the initiative is looking for studies that explain how synapses and the small structural features that support them (like spines) are regulated across the lifespan, how those regulatory systems break down with age, and how those failures contribute to the selective neuronal vulnerability that characterizes disorders like AD.
A key emphasis is on brain regions that are both essential for cognition and disproportionately affected in AD, especially areas within the medial temporal lobe (commonly tied to learning and memory) and the prefrontal cortex (commonly tied to planning, attention, and other executive functions). The FOA encourages projects that look at age-dependent changes in the function of dendrites, spines, and synapses in relevant cell types within these vulnerable regions. It also explicitly supports research using both in vitro and in vivo models, meaning applicants can propose experiments in cell-based systems (for example, cultured neurons or other mechanistic preparations) as well as in living organisms (such as animal models of aging and AD). Overall, the program is aimed at clarifying the biological factors that govern synaptic plasticity, how synaptic dysfunction emerges with age, and why certain neurons and circuits are hit harder than others.
The funding mechanism is the NIH R01, which is the standard investigator-initiated research project grant. The maximum project period is 5 years. The FOA does not impose a strict dollar cap for the budget; instead, applicants are expected to request an amount that matches the actual scientific needs of the work proposed, consistent with NIH norms and justification requirements. Awards are not guaranteed; they depend on the availability of funds and the submission of an application that scores well in peer review.
From an application preparation standpoint, the FOA specifies that the Research Plan portion of the PHS398 application (Items 2-5) must not exceed 25 pages, and that limit includes tables, graphs, figures, diagrams, and charts. Standard NIH rules for resubmissions and renewals apply. Resubmitted applications are allowed, but they must include an Introduction that directly addresses critiques from the prior Summary Statement. Renewal applications are also permitted, allowing successful projects to compete for continued support through a new competitive review.
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including those with 501(c)(3) status and certain nonprofits without it), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and a range of government entities (state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities). Tribal governments and tribal organizations are eligible, and the FOA also lists a variety of mission-focused institutions and communities as eligible, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. (foreign) organizations and regional organizations, reflecting NIH's general openness to strong scientific proposals regardless of institutional category, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
The FOA allows flexibility in leadership structure. A single Principal Investigator can apply, or the application can designate multiple PDs/PIs when the science requires a team-based approach. Investigators are allowed to submit more than one application as long as each proposal is scientifically distinct rather than overlapping versions of the same project. In terms of who can serve as PD/PI, the FOA follows NIH's usual standard: any individual with the expertise, resources, and commitment needed to direct the research is eligible, and NIH reiterates its strong encouragement for applications from individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and from individuals with disabilities.
Administrative details for this opportunity include the Funding Opportunity Number PA-09-061, the CFDA listing of 93.866 (Aging Research), and the fact that there is no cost sharing or matching requirement. The announcement was posted on December 19, 2008, with an original and current closing date listed as January 7, 2012, and an archive date of February 7, 2012, indicating this particular FOA is now archived. The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants site, and NIH provided the Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact for technical issues accessing the posting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this funding opportunity about?
This NIH/NIA Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) supports research on why dendrites, dendritic spines, and synapses become especially vulnerable during normal aging and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The scientific theme is neuroplasticity, with an emphasis on synaptic integrity and synaptic function in circuits critical for memory and executive function.
Which NIH Institute is offering this FOA?
The FOA is from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What core scientific idea is the FOA centered on?
The FOA is centered on the idea that cognitive decline in aging and in Alzheimer's disease is strongly tied to selective disruptions in synaptic integrity and synaptic function, particularly in brain circuits important for memory and executive function.
What kinds of biological structures and processes are emphasized?
The FOA emphasizes dendrites, dendritic spines, and synapses, and how the regulatory systems that maintain and modify these structures operate across the lifespan, how those systems break down with age, and how those failures contribute to selective neuronal vulnerability in disorders like AD.
What does the FOA mean by neuroplasticity in this context?
Neuroplasticity here refers to the brain's ability to change its structure and function in response to experience, with a focus on the biological factors that govern synaptic plasticity and how synaptic dysfunction emerges with age.
Are specific brain regions prioritized?
Yes. The FOA highlights brain regions that are essential for cognition and disproportionately affected in AD, especially areas within the medial temporal lobe (commonly tied to learning and memory) and the prefrontal cortex (commonly tied to planning, attention, and executive functions).
What types of studies does the FOA encourage?
The FOA encourages studies that explain how synapses and supporting structural features (such as spines) are regulated across the lifespan, how regulation fails with age, and how those failures drive selective vulnerability of particular neurons and circuits in aging and AD.
Does the FOA specify particular cell types?
It encourages projects that examine age-dependent changes in dendrite, spine, and synapse function in relevant cell types within vulnerable regions (especially the medial temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex). It does not list a single required cell type in the provided description.
Can applicants use in vitro models?
Yes. The FOA explicitly supports research using in vitro models, such as cell-based systems, cultured neurons, or other mechanistic preparations.
Can applicants use in vivo models?
Yes. The FOA explicitly supports in vivo research in living organisms, including animal models of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
What funding mechanism is being used?
The FOA uses the NIH R01 mechanism, NIH's standard investigator-initiated research project grant.
What is the maximum project period?
The maximum project period is 5 years.
Is there a budget cap?
No strict dollar cap is imposed in the FOA. Applicants are expected to request a budget that matches the actual scientific needs of the proposed work and is consistent with NIH norms and budget justification expectations.
Are awards guaranteed if an application is submitted?
No. Awards depend on the availability of funds and the submission of an application that scores well in peer review.
What is the page limit for the Research Plan?
The Research Plan portion of the PHS398 application (Items 2-5) must not exceed 25 pages. This limit includes tables, graphs, figures, diagrams, and charts.
Are resubmissions allowed?
Yes. Standard NIH rules apply. Resubmitted applications are allowed, and they must include an Introduction that directly addresses critiques from the prior Summary Statement.
Are renewal applications allowed?
Yes. Renewal applications are permitted, allowing successful projects to compete for continued support through a new competitive review.
Who is eligible to apply (in general terms)?
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types, such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and numerous government entities.
What government entities are listed as eligible?
The FOA lists eligibility for state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Are Tribal governments and Tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Tribal governments and Tribal organizations are listed as eligible.
Are specific institution types (like HBCUs or Hispanic-serving institutions) mentioned?
Yes. The FOA lists various mission-focused institutions and communities as eligible, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are U.S. territories eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are included in the eligibility list.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA includes non-U.S. (foreign) organizations and regional organizations in the eligibility list.
Can an application have more than one Principal Investigator?
Yes. The FOA allows either a single PD/PI or multiple PDs/PIs when a team-based approach is needed for the proposed science.
Can a researcher submit more than one application?
Yes. Investigators may submit more than one application as long as each proposal is scientifically distinct and not an overlapping version of the same project.
Who can serve as PD/PI?
The FOA follows NIH's standard approach: any individual with the expertise, resources, and commitment needed to direct the research is eligible. NIH also strongly encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and from individuals with disabilities.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The FOA states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this FOA?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PA-09-061.
What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?
The FOA lists CFDA 93.866, Aging Research.
Is this FOA still open?
No. Based on the provided details, this FOA is archived. It was posted December 19, 2008, shows an original and current closing date of January 7, 2012, and an archive date of February 7, 2012.
Where was the full announcement hosted?
The full announcement was hosted on the NIH grants website.
Who is the contact for technical issues accessing the posting?
NIH provided the Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact for technical issues accessing the posting.
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: National Institutes of Health
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Health
Next opportunity: NIAAA Career Transition Award (K22)
Previous opportunity: Structural Analyses of the Ligand Binding Properties of Taste and Smell Receptors (R01)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for PA 09 061
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 09 061) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Improving Intervention Possibilities forCommunication Disorders (R21/R33) Apply for PAR 09 056 Funding Number: PAR 09 056 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Improving Interventions for Communication Disorders (R21/R33) Apply for PAR 09 057 Funding Number: PAR 09 057 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Incidence and Etiology of Influenza Associated Pneumonia in Hospitalized Persons (U18) Apply for RFA IP 09 001 Funding Number: RFA IP 09 001 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Advanced Neural Prosthetics Research and Development (SBIR U44) Apply for PA 09 064 Funding Number: PA 09 064 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Virologic evaluation of the modes of influenza virus transmission among humans (U01) Apply for RFA IP 09 003 Funding Number: RFA IP 09 003 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $7,000,000 |
| Screening Targeted Populations to Interrupt On going Chains of Transmission with Enhanced Partner Notification The STOP Study Apply for RFA PS 09 004 Funding Number: RFA PS 09 004 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $166,666 |
| Demonstration Project of Elective Adult Male Circumcision Conducted in Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinics in the United States Apply for RFA PS 09 005 Funding Number: RFA PS 09 005 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| Evaluating Locally Developed (Homegrown) HIV Prevention Interventions for African American and Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Apply for RFA PS 09 007 Funding Number: RFA PS 09 007 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Operational Research to Improve the Implementation of Evidence Based Interventions that are Supported by the Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) Project Apply for RFA PS 09 008 Funding Number: RFA PS 09 008 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Optimization of Small Molecule Probes for the Nervous System (R21) Apply for RFA NS 09 003 Funding Number: RFA NS 09 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Career Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01) Apply for PAR 09 065 Funding Number: PAR 09 065 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnerships for Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Clinical Translational Research (PCCTR) (U19) Apply for PAR 09 066 Funding Number: PAR 09 066 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NINR Career Transition Award (K22) Apply for PAR 09 067 Funding Number: PAR 09 067 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAID Research Scholar Development Award (K22) Apply for PAR 09 068 Funding Number: PAR 09 068 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Quick Trials for Imaging and Image Guided Interventions Exploratory Grants (R21) Apply for PAR 08 147 Funding Number: PAR 08 147 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Data Coordinating Center for Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiologic Studies (U10) Apply for RFA DD 09 002 Funding Number: RFA DD 09 002 Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Category: Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22) Apply for PAR 09 069 Funding Number: PAR 09 069 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| TransACTION Prevention and Care Services for At Risk Mobile Populations Apply for 663 A 09 006 Funding Number: 663 A 09 006 Agency: Ethiopia USAID Addis Ababa Category: Health Funding Amount: $40,000,000 |
| AHRQ Health Services Research Projects (R01) Apply for PA 09 070 Funding Number: PA 09 070 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| AHRQ Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Grants (R18) Apply for PA 09 071 Funding Number: PA 09 071 Agency: Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Category: Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "PA 09 061", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.