NIA Updates

NIH Forecasts New Suite of Clinical Trials NOFOs

The new NOFOs are designed to support clinical trials at every stage, from early feasibility through large-scale networks:

• Feasibility Trials (R34): PAR-28-011
• Early to Definitive Trials (R61/R33): PAR-28-074
• Multi-Site Trials (UG3/UH3): PAR-27-125
• Pragmatic and Implementation Trials (UG3/UH3): PAR-28-010
• Network Trials (UG3/UH3): PAR-27-007

All five are currently forecasts rather than active NOFOs. The NOFOs are expected to be published later this year, with first available application due dates in Spring 2027.

Upcoming NIA Training Office Hours

Have questions about funding for training and career development in aging research? Want face-to-face time with NIA program officers? Join the National Institute on Aging Training Team’s upcoming office hours on December 2, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM ET. This is an informal session with no prepared remarks — NIA Training Officers will simply be on hand to answer questions and talk through training and career development opportunities for researchers at all career stages. Registration is required. If you're interested in registering, please email NIATraining@mail.nih.gov.

NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

Awardees can receive up to $100,000 of qualified educational debt repayment with a two-year award. The NIH LRPs are a set of programs established by Congress designed to recruit and retain highly qualified health professionals into biomedical or behavioral research careers. More than 1,400 researchers across the nation benefit from the more than $95 million NIH invests in its LRP each year.

The period to apply for an FY 2027 LRP award closes on November 19, 2026.

NIA Announces Two Career Development Funding Opportunities for Early-Career Clinician-Scientists

NIA is pleased to announce two Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for early-career clinician-scientists to advance research skills in their specialty area and in the broader field of aging research. Candidates for both awards must hold a qualifying clinical doctoral degree; eligible degree types and other candidate requirements vary by NOFO. Prospective applicants should review the applicable NOFO for complete eligibility criteria.

• Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
  • Watch the Beeson Technical Assistance Webinar
• Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists' Transition to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR) (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)
  • Watch the GEMSSTAR Technical Assistance Webinar

2027 HEAL K12 Mentored Career Development Opportunity for Early-Career Clinician-Scientists

The HEAL K12 is a mentored career development program for early-career clinician-scientists conducting clinical pain research. Scholars receive at least 75% protected time, tailored training, cross-disciplinary mentorship, and support for research and professional development. Awards provide up to $100,000 in salary, $32,000 in fringe benefits, $2,500 for professional travel, and $50,000 in annual research support costs for up to three years, plus indirect costs. The application process begins with a two-page Letter of Intent (LOI). Competitive applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Please note that clinical trials are not allowed.

View Application Details: 2027 HEAL K12 Call for Applications

2026 Dementia Care & Caregiving Research Summit Report

The 2026 Dementia Care & Caregiving Research Summit Report is now available. This comprehensive report highlights key research gaps and opportunities in dementia care and caregiving. Access the full report, video recordings, and more here.

NIH Funding Blog: Three New Parent Research Education (R25) Opportunities

NIH published a blog describing the three new parent research education (R25) opportunities. The blog provides perspectives and priorities from the different institutes and centers participating in the announcements, including NIA. NIH will host a webinar on the new opportunities on November 5, 2026 (stay tuned for registration information).

Learn more here.

Using the PF5 Application Structure for Specialized NOFOs

Earlier this year, NIH announced the creation of the Collaborative International Research Project (PF5) activity code to accommodate foreign components in projects that had previously been supported through a subaward/consortium structure. Many applications can be submitted through the PF5 parent notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). However, beginning on September 25, 2026, NIH is also allowing the use of the PF5 application forms and structures for specific NOFOs where international collaborations may be relevant.

Learn more here.

Summer Internship Program (SIP)

This program is for community college, college, graduate and professional students interested in exploring careers in research and healthcare. These are full-time in-person research positions within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP). Research groups are located on all NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD. The deadline for applying is January 26, 2027 at 12pm EST.

Learn more here.