Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortia (RDCRC) for the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking applications for the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Consortia (RDCRC) to advance the diagnosis, management, and treatment of rare diseases. Each RDCRC will promote highly collaborative, multi-site, patient-centric, translational, and clinical research. The research should focus on at least three different rare diseases and include at least two clinical research projects, with one being a longitudinal study. • The use of animal models is not permitted and will not be supported. • Clinical research supported under this NOFO includes mechanistic studies designed to understand a biological or behavioral process, the pathophysiology of a disease, or the mechanism of action of an intervention. • Patient and stakeholder experiences, perspectives, needs, and priorities must be meaningfully incorporated into decisions and activities of the RDCRC. • Applications must include multidisciplinary collaborative efforts, those involving patients, clinicians, researchers, bioinformaticians, and others with appropriate expertise, along with stakeholders. • RDCRC applicants must also propose resource development, career enhancement, and outreach activities that will enhance rare diseases research on a national and/or international level.