Description
The NIH Common Fund is soliciting innovative “Senescence Technology Projects” (SenTecs) to develop and validate tools that detect, characterize, and manipulate senescent cells (SnCs) in vivo and in human biospecimens. Awards are structured as a two‑phase, five‑year cooperative agreement (UG3 + UH3). Phase 1 (UG3) – up to 2 years – focuses on technology development and feasibility; Phase 2 (UH3) – up to 3 years – refines, optimizes, and validates the technology, culminating in a collaborative demonstration project. Up to 15 awards are anticipated with a total estimated funding pool of $6 million (≈ $400 k per award). Applicants must submit both phases together; transition to UH3 is contingent on administrative review at the end of Year 2. The program emphasizes data sharing, confidentiality agreements, and regular reporting (annual RPPRs). Eligible entities include a broad range of public, nonprofit, tribal, and for‑profit organizations.
• Develop or adapt technologies for SnC identification, characterization, and targeting.
• Deliver a feasible prototype in the first two years (UG3).
• Optimize and validate the technology in years 3‑5 (UH3) with a network‑wide demonstration.
• Submit a single combined UG3/UH3 application by Nov 23 2026.
• Awarded as a cooperative agreement (CA) under activity codes UG3/UH3.
• Total project period: 5 years, milestone‑driven, with annual progress reporting.