The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications to develop, operate, and sustain a cloud-based data storage and computing platform that democratizes access to large-scale Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) genetic and genomic data. The platform must be secure, scalable, and interoperable. The platform will support the NIA Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), the primary NIA-supported repository for the archiving and distribution of human genetic data related to AD/ADRD. The purpose of the platform will be to:

• Enable efficient ingestion, curation, harmonization, and analysis of multi-ancestry, large population-scale datasets;
• Provide robust analysis, visualization, and artificial intelligence -ready resources within secure cloud workspaces;
• Ensure compliance with federal security and data-sharing policies;
• Promote interoperability with other NIH- and NIA-supported repositories; and
• Provide user support, training, and community engagement.

The NOFO aims to foster collaboration, accelerate discovery, and maximize the scientific value and impact of AD/ADRD genetics research for the broader research community.

By improving data accessibility, interoperability, reporting, reproducibility, and scalable computational systems that enable rigorous, reproducible, and transparent research, the NOFO seeks to align with the NIH’s plan for Gold Standard Science and the AD/ADRD Research Implementation Milestones. Additionally, the NOFO seeks to address the Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's recommendation of ensuring broad, secure access to high-value datasets and enhancing data usability to maximize the return on research investments and support future discoveries in AD/ADRD. Moreover, the NOFO intends to directly advance NIA’s Strategic Directions, particularly Goal G to support the infrastructure and resources necessary for high-quality research, by strengthening data sharing, computational infrastructure, and research rigor across the AD/ADRD community.

The NOFO intends to utilize the U24 activity code.

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.